becasuetwo   All characters of Due South belong to Alliance, they
are not mine, I am just burrowing them to fullfill my own private
fantasies. :) This is part two of Circle Of Doubts. Rated PG-13 for mature
subject matter and some language. Drama/H/C/ M/F Thanks for your imput
Mary Ann, I appreciate it. 
  

By Amethyst  

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU 

 
 

. FEEDBACK please!! 
  
  

         Benton Fraser stood at the living room window of the Vecchio's
home and stared out at the darkening city as the soft December snowflakes
drifted softly downward past the windowpane. He wondered, not for the
first time, where Ray Kowalski was, what he was doing? Fraser hadn't heard
from him since they said good bye in Ray's apartment almost six months
ago, and he half expected not to. In narcotics you rarely did hear about
undercover agents, but it was his reprehensible behavior toward the
detective that had been the possible cause for his partner's silence. He
couldn't help feeling worse knowing that Ray might not try to contact him
because he would assume the Mountie wouldn't want to hear from him. 
         But he did want to hear from Ray, more then anything he wanted to
know if his friend was safe, if he forgave the Mountie for the things he
had said that day at the apartment, and if they were still partners
despite everything else. Ray had said they would always be partners. His
gaze drifted toward the beautiful spruce tree that the Vecchio's had
decorated in the corner and thought about the one Tara had convinced him
to put up in his own small living room, decorated with an assortment of
hand carved and store bought items.  It was still a little over a week
until Christmas, but it was Fraser's first real Christmas tree, since his
mother had died and his grandparents didn't really believe in celebrating
in a traditional way. 
          Upon his arrival in Chicago, he had spent a couple of Christmas'
at the Vecchio's of course, and over the last few years he and Ray
Kowalski had celebrated in their own unique way. They didn't put up a
tree, because neither of them saw the need when it was just the two of
them and they exchanged gifts at the station or Canadian Consulate. 
        They always did something different for the holiday season. Their
first Christmas together, Ray had convinced him to come with him to
children's hospital, where they spent the entire day entertaining the
children and passing out gifts and treats that had been donated. The
second year they had been in Canada, still on the adventure to find the
lost hand of Franklin, so they had celebrated the season with some natives
in Inuivik in a small tree skinned hut made of bark. 
Now, here it was that time of year again and he wondered what his partner
would be doing to celebrate. Would he be alone or with someone? Would he
put a tree up? Did he wonder the same things about Fraser? He sighed and
shook his head as Tara approached him with a warm cup of Cider from Ma's
kitchen. 
        "You miss him don't you?" she commented as she coiled her arms
around his waist and rested her cheek against his back; the soft fleece of
his ivory sweater tickling her face softly. Fraser continued to stare out
the window as he sipped the drink she had handed him, but unconsciously he
leaned back into her embrace, needing the comfort she offered.    "Me
too." She whispered against him. "But I'm sure he's okay." 
        He had accused Ray of running away from romantic involvement, but
Ray had tossed it right back at him about Detective Chang. He had been
right of course; Fraser had developed deep feelings for the Asian woman,
especially after that night in his apartment but was scared to death to
admit to them. Then he remembered that he had made her a promise, whether
it was one she remembered or not and once Ray left he felt so alone that
he decided to keep that promise. 
        He and Tara went for long walks, she was like him and never minded
the cool weather, they ate quiet dinners, spent hours talking about
everything and nothing. She had been remarkably easy to open up to, once
he got past the initial hurtle of his own shyness and fear of rejection.
She talked openly about her dreams and her fears and encouraged him to do
the same. Now, she seemed almost able to read his thoughts at times, a
great help to the Mountie, who still had difficulty saying what he felt at
any given moment. Most of all she was so much like Ray in being able to
sense when the introverted Canadian just needed to be touched or held. 
        They worked a few cases together, but Fraser maintained most of
his duties to the Consulate, simply because police work just wasn't the
same with out Kowalski. Although Tara was a fine and insightful detective,
he couldn't help worry over her when they worked a case, more then he did
with Kowalski, whom learned to share the Mounties's penchant of getting
out of the trouble they often found themselves in. Not that he didn't
trust Tara to take care of herself; just that the connection he felt with
Ray was different than the one he felt with her. 
        Vecchio had decided not to get back into being a cop and instead
had pulled the capitol together to open a restaurant for him and Stella to
own and operate in downtown Chicago. Fraser had wished them well with the
project and had assisted Ray with some of the initial redecorating and
reconstruction. 
         Francesca had been furious when she learned Ray had left town for
an undercover assignment, then when she got over her anger she was forced
to deal with her grief. She loved Ray Kowalski, no matter what and she
wanted only him. She didn't date; she didn't even flirt like she used to,
while working at the station. 
         The only one she ever spoke directly to about her feelings was
Fraser or Tara, who knew what she was going through, for they missed Ray
as well. Fraser had to admit the pretty Italian woman, who had always been
so quick to anger and so eager to please, had started to mature. She was
looking at things in a different way and Fraser believed that was a good
thing, though he still disapproved of the way Ray left his fiancé. 
        Stella Kowalski-Vecchio had tried to be supportive to her sister
in law, but Stella's idea of support was to trash her ex-husband and
remark on his childish tantrums of once again running away. Francesca had
been hard pressed not to inform the frank woman that it was she that had
run out on Ray's first marriage, not Ray, but as Fraser guessed Francesca
was maturing and she let Stella's words roll of her back. 
         "This is insane!" Ray Vecchio decided from the doorway of the
living room as he cast a disparaging glance at the Mountie. "Between you
and my sister it's like livin' in a mausoleum!" 
         "I do not know what you mean, Ray.'" Fraser replied politely as
he watched Ray Vecchio, who now sported an attractive moustache and goatee
that made him look a little younger than his true age, move into the room
and slump down in the recliner. 
         "You and Frannie!" Ray declared. "Ever since Stanley up and left
you two have been walkin' around like someone's died or somethin'." 
         "I am sure that Francesca is missing Ray Kowalski enormously,
Ray." Fraser offered. "She was going to marry him." 
         "Don't get me started." Ray hissed. "That creep just up and left,
practically deserted my little sister and..." 
         Fraser turned from Tara's embrace and started to walk away, he
was not in the mood to listen to another of Ray Vecchio's sermons on the
evils of Stanley Kowalski. Ray barely noticed he had left, just continued
to talk to himself and Fraser shook his head. Perhaps it was the time
spent undercover or being married to Stella, but Ray Vecchio had changed
since the last time he and Fraser had worked together as partners and the
Mountie just couldn't re-invent the connection they once had. Fraser would
be the first to admit that he missed the blond, energetic detective, but
missing him did not make his being gone any easier so he tried not to
dwell on it. 
         "I just don't understand why you are still wearing it." Stella's
voice rose from the kitchen as Fraser entered to find her and Francesca
helping Ma Vecchio put away the fixings from the evening meal. Stella was
seven months pregnant and was seated at the table, because standing hurt
her back, fitting the leftovers into Tupperware containers. 
         "Hello, Bentino." Ma greeted, receiving her usual kiss from the
Mountie as she automatically refused his offer to help.  "This is women's
work. But you may put those dishes away for me if you please." Fraser
nodded and went to complete the chore as the two women resumed their
conversation. 
         "Good evening, Francesca. Stella." He offered politely. 
         "Hiya Ben." Francesca greeted warmly; as she rinsed the pot she
had just washed, set it in drain pan and reached back into the steaming
sea of suds for another 
         "I would think you'd take it off since it is his." Stella
reasoned as she absently waved a greeting at the Mountie from where she
sat. 
        Francesca smiled benignly. She knew Stella was jealous of the fact
that Ray had parted with his treasured bracelet and had given it to her
when he never even allowed Stella to wear it during all the years they
were together. 
         Ray had told her it was a gift from his grandmother Kowalski for
his high school graduation, and a year later she had died. Ray was
devastated, for he had a great love for the older woman, and he never took
the bracelet off after that out of respect and affection for her, other
than to take a shower.  Francesca pulled her hand out of the sink and
wiggled her wrist so that the silver bracelet caught the light. 
         "Yes, it is his and that's why I'm wearing it." She informed
Stella calmly, then added silently. It's all mine, he gave it to me so you
can turn green and choke fer all I care, Missy. 
         "He left you!" Stella reminded and Francesca shrugged. 
         "He...needed a change." she returned, she wasn't about to admit
to the other woman that her own anger and mistrust had probably
contributed to Ray's leaving.  Stella shook her head and frowned. 
         "I don't understand you, Frannie." She sighed and Francesca
winked at Fraser who was regarding her quietly as he placed the dishes in
the cupboard. 
         "Not many do." She replied. "Only two people ever have, other
than Ma." Fraser blushed and lowered his eyes, but not before returning
her smile, she was including him in that exclusive club and he was proud
of her acceptance. 
         "Why don't you...." Stella began only to have her words
interrupted by Tara entering and reminding Fraser that they still had some
shopping to do before the stores closed. Fraser quickly finished his
chores and moved to kiss Francesca and Mrs. Vecchio good night. Tara
handed him their coats as Ray approached. 
         "Comin' back by Monday, right Benny?" he asked and Fraser nodded,
for he and Tara had agreed to share Christmas dinner with the Vecchio's
and have Christmas morning for themselves. 
         "We'll be here, Ray." He assured as he helped Tara on with her
heavy jacket. "Around noon should think." Francesca rushed over and
reached up to whisper in his ear. 
         "Don't ferget Ma's gift." She advised softly, for the Vecchio
children and Fraser and Tara had pitched in and bought Ma an expensive
corning ware and accessory set that she had been dying to have and they
had hidden it at Fraser's apartment until Christmas day. 
         "I wouldn't dare." He promised with a smile and she nodded in
approval, then kissed him and Tara goodbye. 
         "Be careful going home." She warned as she and Ray followed them
out to Tara's jeep, with Diefenbaker close behind them. 
         "We will." They assured and pulled away from the house. 
  

        The couple checked out a few more stores, then finally headed back
home, riding in silence to Fraser's apartment building, and even
Diefenbaker seemed subdued. Tara pulled the jeep into a free spot and shut
off the engine, then turned to the Canadian in the darkness. 
         "Tell me what you are thinking." she requested quietly and Fraser
almost smiled. Not, are you okay, or what's wrong, she phrased her concern
in a way that would deny him a one word reply. He released a long, slow
breath, that he had not been aware he had been holding and met her gaze. 
         "Would you care to take a walk?" he asked and she didn't
hesitate, for she knew Fraser opened up better when he was under the stars
of an open sky, with nature surrounding him. 
         "Of course." She returned opening her door and getting out.
Fraser pulled the seat forward, to allow Diefenbaker to drop to the snow
beneath, the he adjusted his Stetson and they headed across the lot,
toward the park area a block away. Dief ran ahead of them to romp in the
snow and they followed at a leisurely pace. Tara slipped her gloved hand
into Fraser's and smiled up at him. 
         "It's a beautiful night." She commented, as he squeezed her hand
slightly and they continued their path through the lightly falling
snowflakes, her words forming ice clouds on the air before them. 
        Fraser regarded her discretely as she laughed at Diefenbaker, who
could barely be seen against the snow, unless he wagged his tail or showed
his teeth. He knew Tara would wait for him to speak and not press him
until he was ready. He observed the way the snow sparkled against her dark
silken hair like diamonds placed across the softest black velvet. Her
enchanting Cimmerian eyes sparkled like the deepest galaxy and always
seemed to hold a measure of mystery and amusement, as though she knew the
very secrets of the universe and that the joke itself was on mankind. 
        He glanced down at their fingers intertwined; hers were almost
child like against his larger palm and longer fingers, yet they held a
strength that astounded Fraser. She had turned his world upside down, with
her intoxicating charms and contagious laughter, always able to pull a
smile or a laugh from him when no one else could, except maybe Ray
Kowalski, and he loved her more for it. 
        That thought hit him like an electric surge through out his entire
body and his eyes widened as he realized that he truly was in love with
Tara Chang. How could that have happened? He had been so careful,
promising himself that he would never fall in love again after Victoria,
but here he was, walking on a winter night, holding hands with a woman
that had completely captivated him with her unconditional acceptance and
simple truths. 
        "Benton?" she suddenly inquired, feeling him tense and come to a
halt beside her. She met his frightened gaze head on then reached up and
gently pulled his lips to hers in a soothing kiss. "It's okay." She
assured. "Whatever it is, it will work out." 
        Fraser continued to stare at her quietly, trying to come up with a
name for everything that he was currently feeling, but he could only shake
his head remorsefully. Tara pulled him into her embrace and held him close
to her, running her hands over his back in slow calming motions. 
        "It's okay to feel confused, Benton." She promised and he shook
his head at her astuteness. How did she do it? How could she get inside
his brain and heart and understand things he could not? "We're all human
and we've only got a short time on this Earth, things are going to get a
little scary and confusing at times." 
        "You are a little scary and confusing sometimes, Tara." Fraser
managed dryly and she laughed, pleased that he had managed to pull himself
back from whatever dark pit he had been dwelling in. 
        "I like to keep you guessing, that's all." She teased and pushed
away from him suddenly, deliberately shoving him off balance and landing
him in the snow bank behind them. 
"Oh, you'll pay for that." He promised, leaping to his feet as she
immediately ran from him giggling. 
        "I thought you liked the snow!" she taunted, grabbing up a handful
of the white powder and forming it into a ball. "Here's some more, a gift
from me to you." The snowball missed him by inches as he sidestepped the
cold projectile, but he nailed her with the one he had been holding behind
his back. 
        "I insist on returning the favor." He informed, as she brushed the
snow from her coat and they both grabbed up another handful. She continued
to back up, trudging further up the hill toward the trees, Diefenbaker
barking and running between them excitedly, as Fraser advanced on her like
a large predatory cat. 
        "Now....now that's not fair." She cautioned as the Mountie palmed
the large snowball back and forth in his hands. "You can throw better then
I can." 
        "Of course." He agreed, continuing to advance. "I grew up in
Canada." 
        "Right!" she confirmed quickly. "So you should be nice and at
least give me an extra shot or something." When Fraser just grinned and
continued to move forward she found herself up against a large tree. "It
would be the polite thing for a Mountie to do!" She was desperate now.
Fraser paused and seemed to consider her remark, though his cerulean blue
eyes twinkled with mischief. 
        "But I'm not in uniform." He informed slowly and Tara knew her
chances were lost. She squealed in protest and launched herself from the
tree, trying to shoot past him, but he caught her around the waist and
they both ended up in the snow and rolling down the hill. 
        "Benton Fraser!" she cried, when the Mountie was the first to
recover and straddled her with an impending handful of snow in his hand.
"If you put that down my shirt I swear I will tell everyone I know that
you keep a secret stash of Godiva chocolates in your desk at work!" Fraser
hesitated again, as Tara's short, stammered breaths created delightful
little frost clouds between them. 
        "They'd never believe you." He decided and she watched his eyes
darken in amusement. 
        "T...that's a felony!" she warned, her teeth were starting to
chatter, either from the cold snow she was laying against or the
excitement of seeing Fraser so playful. He raised an eyebrow,
questioningly  "I....intent to commit bodily harm. I'll have to arrest you
after." 
        "It's only snow." Fraser countered logically. "A misdemeanor at
the most, I'll get off with a fine." 
        "P...please don't p...put that down my shirt." She begged, half
laughing half fearful of the icy cold the snow represented. 
        "You started it by shoving me in the snow bank." He reminded and
she groaned. 
        "I'm sorry." She offered and gave him her sweetest smile. "I won't
do it ever again." At least for tonight, she added silently. 
        Fraser didn't believe that for a moment, but he relented and let
her up anyway. She laughed and brushed the snow from her clothes and hair,
then started sweeping him down with her hands. He caught her hands and
turned her to face him, pulling her close and capturing her cold lips with
his own, the heat from their mouths creating an intense friction that
spread like sparkling seeds of electricity through them. 
         Although they had officially been dating for a little over three
months, they had yet to make love. Tara didn't push it, knowing Fraser
just needed to feel more secure before he took that step.  They were
friends first and foremost, she understood that and it seemed to be what
Fraser needed most right now. 
         He had opened up to her about Victoria, so she fully understood
his fear of taking that step. They didn't deny their attraction however,
it seemed an added bonus, but they were content with the little things.
They kissed often, did some heavy petting, and snuggled a lot, but that
was as far as it went and Tara was content to wait for the Mountie to
bring it to the next level. 
        "Feel better?" she asked, slightly breathless from their kiss and
he nodded. "Good, then let's go inside I'm freezing!" 
         She reached up and grabbed the Stetson off his head and plopped
it on her own, then looped her arms through his as he turned to get
Diefenbaker's attention, but the wolf was already trotting by their side.
They collected their parcels from the jeep and headed into the building. 
        They stepped out of the elevator onto the fourth floor and headed
for the Mounties's apartment, Diefenbaker weaving between them. Suddenly
Fraser's eye caught sight of a small wrapped package at his door and the
wolf moved to sniff it then started running around in circles as though
searching or something he had lost. Probably his mind, Fraser thought
uncharitably. 
         "What is it?" Tara inquired, as he bent to retrieve the package,
while she watched the wolf curiously. She leaned over and read the name on
the brightly colored gift. "It's for you." 
        Fraser frowned as Diefenbaker wandered further down the hall,
whining softly, until the Mountie saw him settle at the apartment three
doors down, that was once Ray Kowalski's. The landlady had said she
maintained it, simply because Ray had leased it in advance and his rent
wasn't due again until after January, whether he returned or not. 
        "Tara, would you wait for me inside please?" Fraser requested as
he headed down toward the wolf, who was now scratching at the door. Had
someone broken into Ray's apartment? Much of his belongings were still
there, so it was possible. 
        He pulled out his spare key and quietly inserted it into the lock,
pushing the door open and switched on the light. He was startled to find
that all of Ray's things, his pictures, furniture, dishes and even rugs
were gone. The apartment was bare, other then for the utilities in the
kitchen, the fridge and stove. The microwave was gone, Ray's stereo, his
desk, the dinning set, the sofa and chairs, everything had been removed.
He hurried to the bedroom and saw that it too was bare, except for the
blinds on the windows. Even the dream catcher Fraser had made for his
partner was no longer hanging from the window closest to the bed. 
        "What's going on Benton?" Tara asked quietly as she stepped up
from behind him. Fraser continued to stare at the empty rooms in despair.
Everything that was Ray Kowalski, everything that Fraser knew to be a part
of his partner, had disappeared. It hadn't been a robbery, for they
wouldn't have cleaned it out so thoroughly, even the turtle that Fraser
had been feeding for his partner was gone. 
        "He's not coming back." He whispered dejectedly. "He must have
been here and removed everything, why didn't he try to see me? Leave me a
note, anything?" 
        "He did, love." Tara reminded, pointing at the package still in
Fraser's hands. 
        With hands that were decidedly steady considering the current
state of his emotions, he carefully pulled off the festive paper and
lifted the lid. He stared at the contents in shock, a hundred different
emotions flickering across his features as he reached down and pulled the
precious gift from the box. It was a hand carved symbol of The Reaching
Out Hand of Franklin holding a tiny replica of the MSS Bounty, and below
the out stretched palm, in small gold letters were the initials BF & SRK
There are green ships and red ships but nothing beats friendship. Partners
forever. 
        "What does this mean?" he whispered to whoever would answer him. 
        "It means he loves you, Benton." She replied quietly, placing a
reassuring hand on his arm. "That you are still friends and always will
be." 
        "But...why didn't he try to contact me?" Fraser demanded as
Diefenbaker, depressed that he could not find the owner of the familiar
scent he had detected earlier, whined mournfully. 
        "Maybe he didn't know where things stood between you two?" she
suggested. "You said you argued before he left, maybe he thought you were
still angry with him. Or, maybe he just didn't have the chance to reach
you." Fraser nodded slowly and cradled the gift to his chest, allowing her
to lead him out of the empty apartment. 
  

        "Excuse me, I think I'm lost." A familiar voice stated and
Detective Tara Chang glanced up, as a pair of hands appeared on the desk
before her. 
        The teasing face of Stanley Raymond Kowalski smiled at her, his
wheat blond hair hung to just past his shoulders, though remained
stubbornly short and indecisive on top. He sported a small diamond stud in
his left ear and a large silver ring on is right index finger. As usual he
had a few days growth on his face, which just added to his magnetism. 
        "You little shit!" she exclaimed jumping up and running around the
desk to throw her arms around him in delight. "When did you get back?
Fraser's been frantic since he found your apartment empty. Why didn't you
call him, or call me? Have you seen Frannie?" Ray laughed and hugged her
hard before releasing her and perching easily on what used to be his desk.

        "I've told you before not to leave prints on my desk, Chang." He
warned and she tossed her head at him. 
        "I'm just keeping it warm for you." She enforced good naturally.
"God you're a sight for sore eyes." She looked him over slowly, taking in
every detail of his dark jeans and black and red pullover. His familiar
black biker boots matched the new leather winter raglan that hung to just
above his calves. When their eyes met again his shined with a shy
amusement. 
        "See anything you like?" he taunted and she had the grace to blush
herself. 
        "Many times, Kowalski." She sighed. "Many times." Her smile
faltered. "Ray, why haven't you contacted Fraser? He was devastated when
he saw that you had moved out of your apartment." Ray lowered his eyes and
picked at one of the files on the desk. 
        "I never meant for him to find out like dat." He admitted
regretfully. "I only had a short amount of time ta get it done and I
barely had time to drop off his gift." His gaze lifted questioningly. "Did
he like it, Tara? What I got him?" 
        "He was speechless, Ray." She informed gently and the detective
smiled slightly, pleased. "But he was still so upset about you not staying
to see him, even just leaving him a note." Ray sighed. 
        "I know, but...I didn't have a lotta time and I couldn't find da
words ta say what I wanted to." He stated as he folded his arms across his
chest. "A lot has changed and I had ta make some decisions and get some
things done in a hurry." 
        "So, are you coming back to the department?" she inquired eagerly.

        "Ah...well..." he hinged, his nervous habit of pulling on the lobe
of his ear proved to her that he was still the same hesitantly shy man
that had left, just as Lieutenant Welsh stepped out of his office and
caught sight of him. 
        "Well I'll be..." he began, walking over, as Ray slid off his
perch, and Welsh extended a hand to his former subordinate. "Kowalski,
it's about damn time you got back to doin' some real work." Ray chuckled
and shook the Lieutenant's hand. 
        "Hey, Sir." He greeted smiling. "Things fallin' apart without me,
huh?" Welsh rolled his eyes. 
        "Hell no, I just got everything back the way I like it." He
teased. "My detective's actually work for a living now." 
        "Can't have everything." Ray retorted still smiling. "I see ya
gave away my desk quick enough, and ta any ol' rookie off da street no
less." Tara punched him in the arm. 
        "Watch it Bud." She warned. "This rookie is gaining on your arrest
record." 
        "Good." Ray laughed. "But ya'll never beat it." 
        "Watch me." She challenged folding her arms over her chest as she
leaned against the desk. "I've got the Kowalski charm down pat, just act
like I have no where to go and nothing to do." 
        "Dat's da ticket." He agreed. "But don't forget ta kick a few
heads now and then." Tara laughed and Welsh shook his head at them. 
        "Don't encourage her, Detective." He warned, though his eyes were
flashing with amusement. "So, are you done running around with those other
monkeys? Ready to turn my precinct upside down again?" Ray lowered his
eyes for a moment and ran a hand through his hair. "Gonna have ta get that
cut now, Kowalski." 
        "Um...I gotta talk to ya about dat, Sir." Ray stated quietly.
Welsh grinned. 
        "I'm kiddin', ya can keep the hippie look if..." 
        "No no, Sir." Ray amended, as his eyes caught sight of Francesca
Vecchio returning to her desk. "But I'll explain dat later. "I'll be back
in a minute." Tara and Welsh exchanged a quiet glance as they watched him
walk over to the pretty civilian aid and crouch next to her seat. 
        "Hi, Frannie." He greeted softly as she stared at him in shock,
she'd almost stopped expecting him to walk into the station any day for
the last six months, and now here he was looking finer then ever. She
quickly composed herself and turned her attention to her computer. 
        "Welcome home, Mr. Kowalski." She returned coolly. She couldn't
help it, seeing him again, so near, after all she had gone through when he
left, just left her feeling angrier then ever with him. "Are you staying
for awhile or just passing through?" Out of the corner of her eye she saw
him advert his gaze for a moment before raising them to look at her again.

        "Dat kinda depends on you, Frannie." He commented quietly, and she
couldn't help but glance at him surprised  "Can...will ya come outside wit
me, so we can talk?" 
        "I'm working." Francesca protested as Ray glanced at his watch. 
        "Had yer break yet?" he asked hopefully and she shook her head
slowly. "Take it now. Please, Frannie I need to talk to ya and I don't
want to say it here." Francesca looked like she was going to agree, but
then she shook her head firmly and turned back to her computer. 
        "I'm busy right now." She decided and Ray sighed. 
        "How about dinner den?" he offered and she shook her head. 
        "I can't I...I have some last minute shopping ta do fer Ma." 
        "Frannie, aren't ya even gonna give me a chance ta explain?" he
requested quietly and she could hear the frustration in his tone. 
        "I'm sorry Ray," she excused. "Christmas is only a few days away
and I'm really busy. I didn't expect ya to come waltzin' back in here, so
I made other plans." Ray stared at her for a long time, but he could see
that she was telling the truth, even id she was stretching it slightly to
deny him time to speak with her. 
        "Okay, Frannie." He agreed straightening to his full height. He
reached across her desk and grabbed a note pad and pen, then wrote down a
phone number. "Here's my new number, call me if ya get time." He left the
pad on her desk and reached over to gently caress her cheek with his
finger, then pulled back reluctantly. He started to move away and a
churning rose within her unexpectedly. 
         "Ray!" she called out, rising from her chair, the fear that he
was walking out on her for a second time prompting her into motion.
Francesca wanted to throw herself into his arms and cry and never let him
go, but something held her back. Something had changed with him and she
sensed the difference, as subtle as it was. He turned back and smiled at
her. 
        "I'm not goin' anywhere, Sweetness." He assured, as though he
sensed her concern. "I'll be around." 
        She bit her lip and nodded, willing the moistness to clear from
her eyes as she settled back at her desk shakily. He was here; he wasn't
going away again. He would await her decision on if there would be a
future for them. But how could she decide that on her own? She glanced
back at him speaking quietly with Detective Chang, then forced her
attention back to the work on her desk. 
  

        Fraser heard a low grunt as Diefenbaker found the interloper they
heard walking into the Consulate, later that evening as they were
preparing to lock up and go home. 
        "Get offa me ya darned mutt!" Ray Kowalski was laughing as
Diefenbaker slobbered him with kisses from his pinned position on the
floor. 
        "Ray!" Fraser exclaimed immediately moving over and pulling the
delighted wolf off his friend. "You're back?" 
        "Trust you ta state da obvious, Fraser." Ray chuckled, as he wiped
at his face and rose to his feet. Fraser stared at him, as though not
believing his own eyes that his best friend and partner was standing
before him. He looked only slightly different, because of his longer hair,
and his long coat gave him a roguish air. "Ray." He began again. "When? 
When did you return? Are you still working undercover? What..." 
        "Slow down, Fraser." Ray chuckled as he bent to scratch
Diefenbaker's ears affectionately. "I can't think at da speed of sound
like you do. I got here a just now." 
         "I meant when did you return to Chicago, Ray." Fraser amended.
"Not when did you get here to the Consulate." Ray shrugged. 
        "A few days ago, but I've been really busy Fraser, dat's why I
haven't been ta see ya." He stated, then after a long pause he continued.
"I wasn't real sure if you wanted me to." 
        "Of course I would." Fraser admonished. "Ray, I...I'm terribly
sorry for..." Ray waved a dismissive hand at him. 
        "I was an ass, Ben." He conceded. "You were right, I was running
away. But I'll never run from anything again." Ray smiled at the emotional
Mountie. 
        "You...then we are still partners, Ray?" Fraser pressed still
unsure. 
         "If you'll have me?" Ray offered and Fraser suddenly pulled the
other man into his arms for a warm hug. 
        "Always." He whispered in Ray's ear and Ray grinned and hugged him
back. "I truly am sorry, Ray." Ray pulled back and locked his gaze to
Fraser's. 
        "It's over." He assured.  "Dot it, file it, stick it in a box
marked done." Fraser nodded and smiled "Did ya like yer gift?" 
        "I love it, Ray." He admitted affectionately. "It's the most
wonderful gift I have ever received, but I haven't anything for you. I was
unsure if you would even be home and..." 
        "Frase! Fraser!" Ray warned, with a small grin. "It's okay, Buddy.
Besides, I got somethin' ya can give me fer Christmas dat would be better
dan anything else ya could ever get me." 
        "What would that be, Ray?" Fraser inquired curious but the
detective just smiled secretly and pulled out a piece of paper with an
phone number written on it in Ray's bold script. 
        "Call me in a few days and we'll talk." 
        "You can't tell me now, Ray?" Fraser protested he hated waiting
for something when his curiosity had been roused. 
        "Nope, I still got some things to do."  He decided firmly and
started to move back toward the door, Dief at his heels. He bent to give
the wolf another quick scratch, them pulled the front door open. 
        "Are...are you leaving again, Ray?" Fraser asked anxiously
following him out to the treasured GTO, because he simply had to know if
his friend would be remaining in Chicago. "I...I noticed that everything
had been moved from your apartment and..." 
         "I'll be around, Fraser." The detective assured as he unlocked
the car. 
        "What about Christmas Ray?" Fraser reminded catching the door
before Ray could open it. "Christmas is only four days away and..." 
        "You ain't goin' ta the Vecchio's?" Ray asked knowingly and Fraser
nodded. 
        "Tara and I will be in attendance for Christmas dinner, but not
until noon." He assured "We could spend the morning with you if..." Ray
grinned and rocked back on his heels. 
        "Can I assume dat you finally took da plunge and got yerself a
girl, den, Buddy?" he inquired and Fraser blushed and lowered his eyes. 
        "I... Detective Chang and I...we have been...dating yes, Ray." 
        "Dat's great, Frase." Ray offered impressed. "Really, I mean it.
Ya deserve it." 
        "Thank you kindly, Ray." His partner replied. "Then you will spend
the holidays with us?"  Ray thought for a long moment, then shook his
head. 
        "Nah, you two lovebirds should get time to yerselves." He ignored
his friend's flush and slid behind the wheel. "But if you and yer lady
wanna come by Christmas Eve, I'll fix somethin' fer dinner." 
        "We'd like that, Ray." Fraser accepted kindly. "But surely you
aren't going to spend the holidays alone?" 
        "No, Fraser." Ray confirmed, as he turned the key in the ignition.
"I won't be alone fer da holidays, don't worry. See ya later." He closed
the door and pulled away before Fraser could ask whom his partner was
spending the holidays with. Dief whined next to him. 
        "I'm sure I have no idea." He told the wolf perplexed. "We will
just have to wait until Sunday, I suppose." Dief sighed and headed back
inside. "Indeed." Fraser agreed following him. 
  

        "Hi!" Tara greeted her favorite Mountie as he and Diefenbaker
entered the apartment. 
        He smiled and set his hat on a shelf beside the door, as the wolf
ran over to greet their guest. She lavished him with kisses, murmuring
what a good and pretty boy he was then pulled a treat from her pocket for
him. Fraser shook his head as Diefenbaker wolfed down the milk bone. 
        "You spoil him." He scolded as he removed his Sam Brown and
unfastened the many buttons and buckles of his red Serge. "He's becoming
insufferable, you know." Tara nodded and rose to move behind him to
relieve him of the tunic, then draped it carefully over the back of the
sofa. 
        "I thought he was already insufferable?" she teased, grabbing his
suspenders and pulling him close for a quick kiss.  "Guess who I saw
today?" 
        "Ray Kowalski?" Fraser replied smiling and she gaped at him, then
grinned and shook her head. 
         "Came to see you did he?" she guessed and Fraser nodded. So that
was what had put the color back in his cheeks and the bounce in his step.
"You two catch up?" He nodded and allowed her to lead him over to the
sofa, settling beside him comfortably. 
        "He'd like us to spend Christmas Eve with him." Fraser supplied.
"I hope that will be alright?" 
        "Of course." She assured. Like Fraser she had no family to spend
the holidays with, only an older brother back in Okinawa that she rarely
even spoke to. "I guess you two worked things out again?" Fraser nodded
almost shyly, as she rose and settled on his lap to snuggle. "I'm happy
for you Benton." 
        "As am I." Fraser sighed, his eyes catching sight of the brightly
colored rolls of gift-wrap on the floor. "Did I interrupt your Christmas
wrapping?" 
        "Oh no." she replied, settling her head against his shoulder and
placing her hand over his heart, memorizing the rhythm. "I had wanted to
tell you in person about seeing Ray and I was just wrapping up those
things we bought the other day while I waited for you to get home." She
tapped his nose and wagged a finger at him. "No peaking because there are
some things in there for you." 
        "For me?" Fraser repeated in delight. "What?" 
        "You'll find out Christmas morning." She decided firmly. 
        "Not even a hint." He teased, pretending to be put out and she
shook her head. 
        "Nope, nothing until Christmas." She awarded. "Your powers of
deduction are too astute, you'd guess no matter how small a hint I gave." 
        "There are ways to make you talk." He warned, his eyes laughing at
her. 
        "Do your worst, Mountie Man." She bluffed. "I'm not afraid of
you." Fraser smiled and wrapped his arms around her in a tender embrace as
he kissed the top of her head. 
        "Good." He murmured. "I hope you never will be." She smiled and
raised her face to accept the kiss she sensed he was ready for. Fraser
claimed her mouth with a slow deliberation, kissing her thoroughly before
finally releasing her for much needed oxygen. She offered him a sexy smile
and waved her hand back and forth over her face. 
        "Wooh!" she teased. "Hot in here, isn't it?" Fraser smiled and
pulled her close for another kiss. "Mmmhhmm." 
She melted against him, as she always did and felt Fraser's hand move from
her hip to the buttons of her blouse. Her eyes flickered open in surprise,
but she didn't protest as his fingers pulled the fabric free of each
individual fastener. His eyes met hers and she saw a lustful desire in
their blue depths, but also a request for permission. In response she rose
up slightly so she could straddle him, without ever breaking their kiss. 
She could feel his arousal hard against her and she offered a silent
prayer to one Ray Kowalski for making Fraser feel whole again and sure
enough to take the leap they were about to take. 
        "Tara." He breathed huskily, finally breaking the hot fusion of
their mouths. "A...are you sure you...." 
        "Benton." She sighed rocking against him suggestively. "I've been
waiting months to do this, don't get shy on me now." He smiled, even as
the blush rose in his cheeks and wrapped his arms around her. He rose from
the sofa and lifted her with him, carrying her toward his bedroom. 
        "How would you feel about a night under the stars?" he whispered
and she coiled her arms around his neck and snuggled into his neck. 
        "I think I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present." She
returned softly. 
  

        Ray wandered out of the electronic store, in the upper level of
the mall and shifted the bag he held to his left hand, so his right would
be ready to reach for his weapon if needed. He smirked and shook his head;
old habits die hard, but the last time he was in this mall a man was
killed in front of them and neither Ray, Welsh or Inspector Thatcher could
ascertain the true killer, between the young couple they had arrested for
the crime. He hated shopping, especially so close to Christmas, when the
stores were at maximum occupancy, but he'd had to pick up a few extras to
put under the tree. 
        He was starting to get thirsty so he headed for the food court to
buy a drink and spotted a familiar brunette among the throng of people at
the crowded tables. She was sipping a cup of hot chocolate and picking at
the small salad she had bought, lost in thought and oblivious to the noise
around her. Ray stopped at the nearest eatery and ordered a coffee, then
he wound his way through the horde of Christmas shoppers. 
        "Dis seat taken?" he asked softly and Francesca glanced up,
startled. She immediately lowered them, but shook her head and he settled
in the chair opposite her. 
        "Are ya followin' me now?" she demanded quietly, keeping her
attention on the plate of vegetables before her. 
        "No." he denied calmly, showing her his shopping bag before
settling beside his leg. "I had ta pick up some things too." She glanced
at the bag then returned her gaze to her salad. They sat quietly for a
long time, each occasionally reaching for their drink, or glancing around
at the passing people. 
        "I...I guess we can talk here, if ya want." She finally suggested.
"Say what ya want to say." 
A crowded mall was not exactly the kind of place Ray had considered for
their talk, but he honestly didn't know if Francesca would give him
another chance to speak his piece. He finished his coffee, but continued
to play with the cup, as he released a long, slow breath. 
        "I missed you." He offered, but Francesca kept her attention on
the crowd around them. 
        "Whose fault is dat?" she retorted without even sparing him a
glance and he scowled. 
    "Jeez, ya been takin' lessons from Fraser or what?" he demanded, then
forced his temper back. "Look, I ain't askin' ya ta fergive me fer runnin'
off like I did, even though I really did have a good reason at the time."
She opened her mouth to protest but he started speaking again. "Just da
same, I'll say I'm sorry fer dat but I ain't appologizin' to you fer what
happened before, we were both right and both wrong in some of dat." 
         Francesca had decided that herself, after months of missing him
had forced her to relive their last time together again and again. She
could finally see that she had been wrong to accuse Ray of those things,
just as he had been wrong to keep his feelings and fears from her about
having another baby. 
        "So...what then?" she demanded tenaciously. "Where does dat leave
us?" 
        "Is dere an us, still, Frannie?" Ray's gaze held an uncertainty
she had seen many times before, as she saw his eyes fall on the bracelet
she still wore. She glanced down at her hands, as they lay on the table
between them. 
        "I don't know, Ray." She answered honestly and she heard Ray sigh.

        "Okay, den." He agreed. "Dat's better den a definite no, at
least." 
        "Do...do ya want dis back?" She had already moved to release the
charm from her wrist but his fingers closed over hers and he shook his
head. "Until we..." 
        "No matter what happens wit us, Frannie," he began. "Dat's yers ta
keep. I gave it to you and it's yers now." Tears formed in her eyes and
she had to look away as he pulled back and stood to regard her quietly. "I
gotta tell ya straight Frannie, my life is...different now. I...I still
want you ta be apart of it, but I ain't gonna push ya. I do need ta
explain some things to ya, either way, but not here wit so many people
around. Maybe...maybe you'll let me take ya ta dinner or somethin' one day
okay?" She nodded, because she honestly didn't know what else to do. 
        "O...okay." She agreed softly. 
        "Are you done shoppin'?"  He inquired and she nodded. "Can I walk
ya to yer car?" 
        "Sure." She agreed hesitantly, then realized she did want Ray to
walk with her, it would give her more time with him, despite her confusion
and hurt, she still wanted to be near him. 
        He grabbed the bags she had settled on the only other chair at the
table, as she rose, and offered her a small smile. She glanced away and
quickly buttoned her coat and pulled on her gloves, noticing that Ray left
his leather raglan open and his own gloves tucked in his pocket. 
        Together they headed through the mall to where Francesca had
parked at one of the lower entrances. The snow was gently falling again,
as they stepped out and Francesca's boots slipped on the fresh layer, but
Ray caught her arm and kept her from falling. She smiled her thanks at him
and noticed he maintained his hold on her as they crossed the slick
parking lot to find her car. 
        "Oh no!" she cried in distress as they neared her tiny Ford Escort
and she realized that she had left her lights on. 
She opened the door and slid into the driver's seat, quickly pushing the
key into the ignition and trying to get the engine started. After a few
failed attempts she hit the wheel in frustration and blinked at the tears
rushing to her eyes. 
        This entire day had been a disaster for her, first she had messed
up on a special file for Welsh, and then Ray had shown up and turned her
world upside down. She had spilled her lunch all over her clothes at the
precinct, because she had been preoccupied over Ray's return, so she had
to run home and change and was late getting back. Then she had to stay
late to make up for her tardiness at lunch, so by the time she had gotten
to the mall the stores were already packed and she couldn't find half of
what she had come for. Now this, her battery was dead and she was going to
have to call her brother and listen to him lecture her on vehicle safety
and being so forgetful, while she pleaded for a ride home. 
        "It's not worth cryin' over, Sweetness." Ray informed gently, as
he handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears. He had developed the habit
of carrying one working with Fraser. "I'll take ya home. Ya can come back
fer yer car in da mornin'." 
        "I...I'm just so stupid!" she wailed in exasperation and Ray hid
his smile. 
        "Yer not stupid, Frannie." He defended. "It happens ta all kinds a
people." He pulled her door open further in invitation. "Com'ahn, it's too
cold ta stay out here bawlin', yer face will freeze an' ya'll be an
Italian Popsicle." She sniffed and smiled a little, feeling better. Ray
could always make her feel better and stop her self-incriminations. She
wiped at her tears and blew her nose. 
        "Thanks." She offered shyly, as she stepped out and locked the car
back up. "Where are you parked?" 
        "On da other side." He returned calmly and she stared at him
surprised as they walked carefully back to the mall entrance. 
        "Then why did ya walk me all the way over here?" she asked
puzzled. 
        "Dis was where ya were parked, Frannie." He reminded and handed
her the bags, as they stepped inside the doors and accompanying warmth.
"Stay here and I'll drive around." 
        "I'll come..." she began but he shook his head. 
        "It'll be faster if I run and bring it here, Frannie." He assured.
"I don't want you ta slip and hurt yerself." He headed back outside and
she watched him disappear around the corner of the building. 
         She tried to quell the anxious shivering that suddenly hit her at
the prospect of riding home with Ray, so close and yet so far. She had
half a notion to ask her to bring her back to his place, just to see what
might happen if they were alone together. She had over heard Tara comment,
after the detective had left the station that day that he no longer lived
at the same apartment building as he had before and she wondered where he
was living and why he had moved. 
She glanced up as the GTO pulled up to the door and he got out to help her
make it across the slippery walk safely. He stored their packages in the
back seat, settled her in front, and then slid behind the wheel. They both
automatically pulled their safety belts across them and Ray turned the
heater on blast to warm the car quickly. 
        "All set?" he tossed with a grin and she nodded. 
        He pulled away from the curb and wound his way around the mall to
the main freeway. His cell phone rang and he reached into his pocket to
retrieve it. 
        "Yah?" he greeted as he drove up the entrance ramp and smoothly
merged with the oncoming traffic. "Hey! I'll be home soon." He promised
the caller as he turned on his signal and glanced back before switching
into a faster lane.    "Sure, sounds good. Whatever you make will be
greatness, as long as I don't have ta cook-we do want ta make it to
Christmas right?" 
         Francesca couldn't help casting him a curious glance. Who was he
going home to? She wondered and felt the stirrings of jealousy pierce at
her heart. He caught her watching him and smiled that incredibly sexy
smile at her, causing a commotion of another kind deep within her. She
looked away and tried not to listen to his conversation, or wonder about
the mysterious caller. His voice grew quieter, he said a few other things
she didn't quiet make out the he ended the call and tossed the phone on
the seat between them. 
        "I assume ya still live in da same place?" He inquired, and it
took Francesca a moment to realize he was now speaking to her. She nodded
and he took the next turn off. "Gonna spend Christmas wit yer family?"
Again she nodded as she continued to stare out the passenger window,
rather than look into his handsome features and loose herself in those
extraordinary ever-changing blue-green eyes. 
        "Benton and Tara will be coming by too." She commented quietly,
receiving only another smile from him, before he turned his eyes back to
the road. 
        She bit her lower lip to keep from inviting him along as well. Let
him spend the holidays with whoever he was hurrying home to, she didn't
care. Yah, sure she didn't care, that's why she was close to tears again
for the third time that day.  Get a grip Frannie! He's only been back a
day and you're already a mess. 
        Ray pulled onto her street a few moments later and the wave of
familiarity hit them both like an ocean tide over the sand. How many times
had he driven her home from the station, or from a night of dinner and
dancing? He and Fraser had cruised this street regularly when he was
posing as Ray Vecchio and almost as often once he and Francesca started
dating. 
        With a quiet deliberation, he pulled into the Vecchio's drive
behind the green Rivera, the forth one her brother had managed to find
after his had exploded into flames the day Fraser had returned from
Canada, and ended up in lake Michigan. Ray shut off the engine but neither
made a move to get out. 
        "Thanks for driving me home." Francesca offered quietly as she
slowly released her seat belt. 
        "Anytime." He assured just as softly and meant it. He would drive
her anywhere she wanted to go at any given moment, if it meant being near
her. 
        "So...ummm...you goin' to yer folks fer Christmas?" she couldn't
help asking. 
        "Nah, " he denied, his fingers tracing an imaginary pattern on the
steering wheel. "Dey're in Arizona, visitin' my brother and his family.
Dey'll be back around New Years." 
        "So...you'll be alone then?" she pressed, hating herself for
caring if he was or not. 
        "Fraser and Chang might stop by Christmas Eve." He stated. "Maybe
have dinner or somethin'." Francesca nodded. 
        "W...what about Christmas Day?" she continued, wishing her mouth
would just stay shut. Ray shrugged. 
        "I'll be at home." He decided, with no mention of company. "My new
one. Why, ya wanna come by and visit me?" 
        "I...I don't..." she shook her head and reached back for her
packages. "Probably not. We...we'll have a full house here." Ray nodded. 
        "I understand." He returned, as the door to the household opened
and Maria stood glancing out. Her eyes widened when she saw who was parked
in their driveway as her sister stepped out of the car. "Can ya make it
okay?" 
        "Yes, thanks." She replied. "M...Merry Christmas Ray." 
        "Same to you, Frannie." He returned with a small smile. "Tell yer
Ma and everybody I wish da same fer dem." 
        "I...." I love you Ray! She wanted to shout, but instead she just
nodded and closed the door. "I will." She promised and turned to start up
the walk toward her curious sibling. 
        Ray waited until she reached the door, before he backed out of the
drive and started back down the street, unaware of the two Vecchio women
watching, one particular with longing in her eyes. Maria tossed an arm
over her sister's shoulder comfortingly and guided her inside the warmth
of the house. 
  
  

        "This is it." Tara agreed as they pulled up to the neatly kept,
white with green trim split level home, in her small jeep. "1414 Travis
Street." Fraser did not see a car in the driveway and frowned. 
        "It doesn't look like Ray is here." He commented, even as they
stepped out of the jeep and started up the well-shoveled drive to the
front door. He noticed there were a string of Christmas lights along the
windows and eves, but were not lit due to it still being day light. A
large welcoming Christmas wreath hung on the door and tiny silver bells
dangled from the doorway. 
         Fraser pressed his gloved finger to the doorbell and adjusted his
Stetson back away from his face slightly. He had left Diefenbaker at the
Vecchio's, who were more then happy to have him, because he was unsure
what sort of new home Ray had and if they even allowed animals in the
building. He had been surprised to learn Ray had bought a house and he
made a silent promise to himself to make it up to the wolf. Fraser had
stopped at his apartment and changed out of his Serge into his casuals and
Tara held a house warming/Christmas gift from both of them. 
        He heard the sound of something sliding across the door, possibly
a peep hole cover, then the door opened and a pretty young girl, that
looked no older then sixteen if that, smiled at them. She sported a honey
blond, shoulder length bob, sparkling dark eyes, long slender legs under
blue denims and a red and white Christmas sweater. Fraser wondered if Ray
had given them the wrong address. 
        She waved them inside, opening the door further to allow them
entry. The couple hesitated, as they exchanged a curious glance then
stepped inside the warmth of the house. She reached automatically for
their coats and Fraser's Stetson, which he handed her. 
         "Thank you kindly." He managed politely as she hung up their
jackets in the small vestibule and carefully placed Fraser's Stetson on
the tiny corner table opposite. 
        She escorted them into the large living area, where furniture and
still packed boxes were placed haphazardly about the room, waved at them
to find a seat then moved to pull the curtains back and glanced out. Some
of the furniture was familiar; other seemed to be new. Ray's stereo sat
against one corner of the room, along with a collection of his CD's tapes
and records. 
        One of his deep comfortable chairs sat opposite a dark green sofa
and matching chair. With solid, handcrafted pine wood coffee table and end
tables accenting the set. A large green, gray and ivory floor rug rested
beneath the quaint sitting area. A large wall unit held a large screen TV,
VCR and assorted videos bric a brac and Christmas tree sat in one corner,
closest to the window, waiting to be decorated. 
        Fraser and Tara watched the young girl puzzled, both wondering if
she was the reason Ray had said he was not spending the holidays alone,
but she couldn't be more then sixteen and Ray certainly wouldn't...His
thoughts were interrupted as they heard the front door open and close,
then the sounds of boots walking across the hard wood floor toward them. 
        "Hey!" Ray greeted upon seeing them as the girl rushed over and
helped him shrug out of his heavy coat and scarf, then relieved him of the
parcels he had brought in with him. "Ya made it. Where's Dief?" 
        "I was unsure what sort of residence you had acquired, Ray, so I
asked if I could leave him at Ray Vecchio's." Fraser returned, still
puzzled by the scene he was witnessing between his partner and the girl. 
        "Oh." Ray replied disappointed. "Well, maybe ya can go get him in
a little while and bring him by, they're just three streets over." The
girl was whispering something in his ear and Ray chuckled and shook his
head as he pulled off his gloves. 
        "None of yer business." He informed, his eyes twinkling. "And you
stay out of those packages." He turned back to his friends and caught the
girl's hand firmly. "I had ta run out and get a few things. Dis is Amanda,
or Mandy fer short. Mandy, dis is Sergeant Major Benton Fraser and
Detective Tara Chang, the friends I told ya about." Mandy nodded shyly
then hurried out of the room as Ray moved over to his friends. "Did ya
have trouble finding da place?" he asked as he moved to set the packages
to the side of another pile of boxes. 
        "No, Ray." Fraser returned quietly, but Tara was more direct. 
        "Ray? Who the hell is this girl? Does she live here? You can get
in trouble for that." Ray laughed and waved his hand at her. 
        "It's not like dat." He assured, amused as the pitter patter of
running feet could be heard coming down the hallway and a moment later a
small blur of blue and white was hurling toward Ray's legs. "Dere's my
boy!" The detective cried in delight as he lifted the excited toddler, who
looked very similar to Mandy, into his arms and swung him high in the air.
The boy giggled with pleasure, until Ray finally pulled him closer to his
chest and turned to face their guests. "Dis is Nathan." Ray introduced
affectionately. "Say hi to Fraser and Tara, Nat." 
        "Hi!" the boy greeted loudly, startling them, and then he curled
shyly into Ray's shoulder. 
.         "Nat's my boy, aren't ya?" Ray was smiling at the child so
lovingly and the boy returned his adoration, coiling his tiny arms around
the detective's neck and snuggling further, still hiding his eyes from the
stranger. "Or ya will be soon." 
        "Ray, please!" Fraser insisted he was ready to explode with
curiosity. Ray grinned, as Mandy returned with a small teddy bear and held
it out to Nathan smiling. 
        "What's sissy got?" Ray wondered as the boy's eyes grew wide and
his tiny hands reached for the toy. 
        "Sarlie!" Nathan exclaimed as Mandy handed him the bear and he
hugged it to his chest. 
        "Charlie Bear, dat's right." Ray confirmed as he handed the
toddler back to the girl next to him. "You go play wit Charlie and I'll
come see ya in just a minute, okay?" Nathan accepted this and went easily
to his sister, who headed back down the hall, possibly to the stairs that
Fraser had caught a glimpse of earlier. 
        "Ray?" Tara demanded. "What is going on?" 
        "Sit down and I'll explain it to ya." Ray suggested as he selected
one of the bags that he had bought in with him and settled in the green
leather chair as Fraser and Tara resumed their position on the sofa.
"About my second month undercover with the DEA, we busted dis crack house.
We took the two dealers ta jail and confiscated what was dere, only we
hadn't bargained on findin' Mandy and Nat." 
        "Hell of a place to raise kids." Tara muttered and Ray nodded in
agreement as he pulled out a few boxes of tree lights and began to
separate them. 
         "One of da dealers was Mandy's uncle," Ray explained. "He had
taken her and Nathan in after their mum died given' birth to the boy and
he was her only livin' relative.  Unfortunately he was a scum bag, dealing
drugs out of the house and usin' Mandy as an incentive to prospective
buyers." 
        "You don't mean..." Fraser stared at him shocked and Ray nodded
grimly, as he pulled the tabs off the plastic racks to release the coils
of twinkle lights. 
        "Mandy couldn't do much to protect herself, Frase. Her uncle told
her dat if she didn't do as he said, he'd call Social Services and her and
Nathan would be separated and probably never see each other again." 
        "Bastard." Tara cursed. 
        "Yah." Ray agreed as he pulled another bag from next to the chair
and scooted it across to Fraser. "Open dose fer me, will ya?" Fraser
reached into the bag and pulled out similar boxes, mimicking Ray's
movements with the lights as Ray continued. "He was a real sonovabitch
alright, but Mandy had made a promise to her Mum ta take care of her
little brother and she did what she could." He shook his head angrily.
"She was pretty messed up when we found her, her uncle and his partner
beat her regular, but she always managed ta keep the bastards away from
Nat, though he was severely undernourished because da assholes wouldn't
give Mandy money to feed her brother or herself half da time." 
        He rose and took the strings of lights over by the tree to plug
them in and make sure they were working, then pulled them from the socket
and laid them out on the floor, untangled, before returning for the ones
Fraser had. The Mountie rose and met him half way. They checked those
lights, and then Ray selected one of the coils and started trimming the
higher branches. 
         "Anyway," he concluded as he continued his task, with Fraser
passing him the another coil to link with the first. "Ta make a long story
short, I was on da team what found her and she sort of...took ta me. She
wouldn't let no one else touch her or Nat but me, not even when dey had ta
take her and da boy to the hospital." Ray paused looping the lights
through one of the branches; his eyes glittered with fury and sadness. "I
haven't gotten her ta tell me everything her uncle did ta her, but I can
make a fair guess of what happened and I'm pretty sure she was molested
more dan once." 
        "How awful." Fraser murmured sympathetically, as he stared down at
the lights in his hands remorsefully "She must be a very strong young
woman to have maintained the care of her brother and herself through such
an ordeal." 
        "She's pretty brave." Ray admitted, a hint of pride in his voice,
as he finished with the coil he had and accepted the third from Fraser. "I
don't think I woulda been able ta stand goin' through dat at her age." 
        "How old is she?" Tara inquired. 
        "Only fourteen." Ray replied and they stared at him shocked.
"Looks older I know, but hey with what she's been through..." Fraser and
Tara nodded in agreement. 
    "So how did they come to be here with you, Ray?" the Mountie
questioned and Ray smirked again, as Fraser helped him reach the inside
lower branches with the last string of lights. 
        "Well, since she was so afraid of social services splitting' her
and Nat up, and da only one she seemed ta trust was me, I asked the judge
ta give me temporary custody, until we could find a family that would
accept them both." He sighed. "Bein' a cop was not in my favor, but when
da judge saw that Mandy would only even speak to me she decided to give it
a try." 
        "She can talk then?" Tara asked, for the girl had said nothing to
them when they arrived. 
        "Yah, she can talk." He assured smiling. "She's just real cautious
around strangers, can't really blame her fer dat." He rose and offered his
hand to Fraser, who was still on his knees beside the tree. The Mountie
grasped it and allowed Ray to help him up. 
        "So, what did you mean that Nathan was going to be yours Ray?" He
inquired and the detective looked slightly embarrassed. 
        "I've had em' almost four months now Frase." He defended quietly.
"I've gotten Mandy ta where she'll open up and she's not afraid so much
anymore. She talks ta me, she trusts me and Nathan is just the greatest
little guy. Everything is brand new fer him." Ray smiled fondly. "Dey both
kinda made me put my life in perspective. I...I wanna keep 'em and dey
want ta stay wit me." 
        "But you can't just take on all this responsibility alone, Ray."
Tara cautioned. "You'll never be able to adopt them as a single parent,
and a cop at that." 
        "Well, I know dat." He returned. "Da single parent thing I'm
workin' on. As fer bein' a cop, I'm not anymore." 
        "What?" both Fraser and Tara demanded in shock and Ray grabbed a
couple more bags and started pulling out the boxes of ornaments he had
purchased and setting them carefully on the tables around them 
    "Dat's what I was talkin' ta Welsh about Saturday at da station..
About a month ago, I was tryin' ta tag dis guy known fer sellin' smack ta
da kids at a local high school." Ray explained quietly, keeping his eyes
lowered away from them. "I was given' him my spiel, y'know, how I was
lookin' ta score and stuff, when dis nutcase starts firin' a semi
automatic into the crowd of kids dat were comin' out fer the day. I
reacted on instinct and charged the fucker." Ray bit his lip and grinned
contritely, his eyes automatically glancing toward the hall to see if the
kids were around to hear him. 
        "Oops, gotta watch dat." He reminded himself, as he settled on the
floor and began opening the boxes. Fraser and Tara automatically moved to
help him. As he continued speaking.  "So, anyway, I had my gun out and was
yellin' at him ta drop his weapon, but he just kept shootin'." Ray shook
his head slowly. "I don't know quite what happened den, I guess I musta
tried ta take him down bodily, but next thing me and him were suddenly
flyin' out into da street, right into da path of an on coming truck." 
        "Ray!" Fraser gasped, unable to stand it any longer, as he rose
and approached the detective, who had suddenly risen and moved to the
window to look out at the falling snow. "Why didn't you call me? How badly
were you hurt? How could you have been so..." 
        "I know it was stupid, Fraser!" Ray snapped, silencing the Mountie
effectively, then he offered his partner a small, grim smile. "I don't
always think straight when kids are involved and this sonovabitch was
mowin' down seven and eight year olds in front of me." 
        "I...I apologize, Ray." Fraser offered, knowing he wouldn't have
been able to stand by and do nothing either in that situation. Ray
shrugged. 
        "S'kay." He replied solemnly. " Luckily none of 'em died and I
stopped it before he could hit anymore. Anyway, somehow I went up and over
while da other guy went under da wheels." Fraser and Tara lowered their
eyes in sympathy. "Doctors said it killed him right den. Lucky compared ta
what I woulda done if any of dose kids had died." He shook off his anger.
"Anyway, I had hit da windshield pretty hard when I bounced and da glass
shattered and some of it stuck into me." 
        "But you were okay?" Tara pressed, for obviously the detective
looked relatively fit and healthy standing before them. 
        "I...well...no." Ray denied and Fraser felt his heart drop into
his stomach. "Pieces of da windshield got shoved pretty hard into my side
and lower back. Dey had ta remove one of my kidneys and a small piece of
my spleen ta keep me from dyin' on da operation' table." Fraser gasped in
distress. 
        "My God, Ray!" 
        "Dey said the damage to my spinal cord is small, compared to what
it could have been, but dere's a small piece of glass stuck dere dat dey
couldn't remove without a possibility of bein' paralyzed. So, as long as
it doesn't move anytime in da near future, I'm good." 
        "You mean, you could still end up paralyzed?" Tara demanded
distressed and Ray nodded. 
        "Only if it moves, and dey told me da things ta avoid doin' ta try
and keep dat from happenin, but dey can guarantee it still won't move at
some point. " He released a long slow breath. "Only problem is I can't be
a cop wit one kidney and glass in my back." He glanced at their stricken
faces and tried to sooth their fears. "Hey, it ain't da end of da world
and I already got another career picked out." 
        "What's that, Ray?" Fraser asked, respecting his friend's wish to
move on to a better subject. 
        "I'm gonna open a detective agency, Frase." Ray informed grinning.
"I can keep my investigators licence and I already got a loan to start
'er. If I call in a few favors from some of my contacts I'll be good ta go
in no time." 
        "That's wonderful, Ray." Fraser managed, trying not to dwell on
the thought that he and Ray would still not be working together. "I wish
you the best of luck." 
        "We'll need it, Buddy." Ray replied folding his arms across his
chest and smiling at the Mountie. 
        "We, Ray?" Fraser returned his gaze puzzled. 
        "Yah, ya don't think I'd go into business without my partner, do
ya?" 
        "Y...Your partner?" Fraser gasped in disbelief as Ray pulled out
an envelope from his back pocket and handed it to the Mountie. 
    "Ya did say ya'd have me as yer partner, remember?" Ray teased as
Fraser unfolded the paper inside and gapped in astonishment. It was a
lease and copyright form with Ray and Fraser's name on it for No Borders
Detective Agency. Fraser stared at Ray in shock; a mixture of emotions
running through him, but as always logic prevailed. 
        "I...I have no jurisdiction in the U.S.A, Ray." He reminded. "I
wouldn't be permitted to..." Ray pulled something from his back pocket and
handed it to the Mountie. It was a work permit, insuring that he could
indeed maintain a proper job in Chicago if he so decided. 
    "I'm not askin' ya ta give up bein' a Mountie, Frase." Ray cautioned
quickly, mistaking Fraser's dubious expression. "I know it means a lot ta
follow in yer Dad's footsteps. The agency would be a part time gig fer ya,
whenever ya wanted to work it, and later if ya wanna retire from the RCMP
or something ya can do it full time wit me." 
        "B...but Ray." Fraser protested, trying to collect all the
questions and doubts that were making his head swim. "If...if I am only
working on my off hours, how can it be a fair partnership? You would be
doing most of the work." 
        "Nah, it's good." Ray assured. "I might even hire some more people
once we get goin', but Fraser I couldn't have anyone else as my partner
but you." His smile held a trace of uncertainty. "Ya did say ya wanted ta
give me somethin' fer Christmas, right? Dis is what I want, Ben." 
        Fraser's eyes glittered dangerously with the threat of tears as
Ray spoke his given name. The detective rarely called him anything but
Fraser, Frase, or Benton Buddy and on occasion freak, but Ray had only
ever called him Ben a few times, mostly when they were still in Canada and
it always involved something the Detective was deadly serious about. There
was nothing to think about, he knew what his answer had to be. 
        "Yes, Ray." Ray's face brightened at the Mounties's reply. "Of
course, yes. I would be honored." 
        "Sign yer name on da bottom line next ta mine, Buddy and we're
set." Ray awarded him and turned his back so Fraser could lean the paper
against him as Tara handed him a pen. He signed next to Kowalski's name,
then handed the document back to his partner. They looked at each other
for a long time, until finally Ray offered his hand. Fraser smiled and
grasped it, then tugged a little to bring the smaller man into his
embrace. 
        "Aww...a Polaroid moment and me without my camera." Tara teased
and the two men pulled apart and wiped at their eyes discretely. 
    "How about we throw her out front in da snow bank, Fraser?" Ray
retorted with a smile and Fraser shook his head and actually winked at
Tara. 
        "Been there, done that, Ray." He informed and Ray gapped at him as
Tara blushed, then all three of them laughed at the other's expression. 
        "Com'ahn," the detective requested moving toward the front door.
"I got some more stuff ta bring in." Fraser followed him outside to the
drive and Ray stopped behind a black Ford Expedition. He opened the back
and handed a few of the grocery bags to the Mountie. Fraser stared at the
vehicle in shock, surely the detective hadn't traded in the beloved GTO
for this, as nice as the SUV was, and it didn't seem to fit Ray. 
        "Where is your car, Ray?" he questioned as Ray grabbed the last of
the bags and closed the hatch. 
        "In the garage." Ray returned as they hurried back inside, careful
not to slip on the slippery snow and ice beneath their feet. "I needed
something with a little more room so I bought dat." 
        "It's very nice, Ray." Fraser offered, but he couldn't help the
doubts that seemed to creep into his mind. 
         Ray had bought a house and a new truck, but how could he afford
to do both simultaneously? A cop's salary was not what it should be,
unless Ray made more working for the DEA then he had as a detective. As
though reading his thoughts, Ray turned to him once they set the bags in
the living room. 
        "I had quite a bit in savin's, Frase." He explained. "I never
really had anyone to spend my money on so I was kinda thrifty with it.
Plus I got some special compensation workin' at my last assignment, since
I was technically hurt in da line of duty and dat didn't hurt me at all in
the money department." Fraser nodded; slightly relieved though he knew Ray
would never do anything illegal or immoral. 
        "I wasn't insinuating anything Ray." He assured as Amanda entered
and brightened when she saw the decorations. Ray handed her a couple of
the bags he had brought in. 
         "I know dat, Buddy." He assured as he smiled at Amanda. "Would
you peel da potatoes and carrots fer me, and I'll be in ta help in just a
bit." She nodded and set off for the kitchen, which lay opposite from the
living room. " You should go pick up Dief and then I'll give you guys a
tour of..." He paused and snapped his fingers. "Oops, almost forgot da
pies." He hurried back outside and reached into the passenger seat of the
Expedition for the two deserts he had picked up at the bakery. 
        "Ray?" A familiar voice called and he straightened from the
vehicle and glanced toward the road, where Francesca Vecchio had pulled
up. 
        "Hey." He greeted softly as he walked over to her. "How are you?" 
        "I...I'm fine." She assured puzzled. "A...are you visiting
someone?" 
        "No, I live here, Frannie." He informed and watched her eyes widen
in shock. She had driven this street many times, it was a short cut from
the main roads to get to her house, but she had never dreamed of Ray
leaving his apartment and moving so close. 
        "You...yer renting?" she almost squeaked and he shook his head. 
        "No, I bought it." He replied as he crouched down to get a better
view of her through the car window. "Fraser and Tara are here, why don't
you come in fer a few minutes?" 
        "I...I have to get back." She murmured and lowered her eyes. "Ma's
waitin' fer me." 
        "Just a few minutes, Frannie?" he requested gently. "Say hello,
I'll show ya around if ya like." He sensed her indecision and lay his
fingers gently on her shoulder. "I'm not lookin' fer an answer about us,
or expectin' anythin' more dan a nice visit. Please Frannie, consider it a
Christmas gift fer me." She released a long slow breath and finally
nodded. He moved out of the way, so she could park close to the curb then
he pulled her door open for her. 
        "Just a few minutes." She reminded as he extended his free hand,
since the pies were in the other. 
        "It's slippery." He explained when she hesitated before taking it.
"I don't want you to fall." She nodded and let the warmth of his hand
enfold hers as he guided her carefully up the drive to the front door.
Fraser was standing there, he'd been coming to see what was taking Ray so
long, and his expression brightened when he saw Francesca. 
        "Francesca!" he greeted pleased, as he moved back to allow them
inside. "This is a nice surprise." 
        "Hi Ben." She returned shyly as the Mountie helped her out of her
coat, scarf and gloves, while Ray firmly shut the door. Tara entered,
having elected to help Amanda in the kitchen, and was wearing a small
apron over her clothes. She welcomed Francesca with a smile and a warm
embrace. 
        "Com'ahn." Ray offered as he headed back toward the kitchen. "I'll
give ya da tour." They nodded and followed him into the large, modern
kitchen, where he set the pies on the counter and moved toward Amanda, who
had brought Nathan in to keep an eye on. The boy was seated in his high
chair and immediately brightened and held his arms out for Ray
expectantly. 
        "Aw, yer gettin' spoiled." Ray teased him, though he did not
hesitate to lift the boy into his arms, as he turned to introduce them to
his new guest. "Frannie, dis is Amanda and Nathan. Dey're stayin' wit me."
Amanda smiled shyly and nodded a greeting from her position at the counter
as Nat shyly curled into Ray's shoulder again. "Say hi Nat." The boy
didn't respond at first, but Francesca moved closer to him, immediately
taken with the charming lad. 
        "Hello, Nathan." She offered, though her eyes met Ray's in
startled confusion. He gave her a brief version of what he had explained
to Fraser and Tara, leaving out the parts of Amanda's abuse and his
injuries at least for the moment. Francesca's gaze softened as she reached
over to push a stray lock of Nathan's hair away from his face. 
        "He's shy." Ray offered as the boy pushed closer to him and coiled
his tiny fingers into Ray's long hair, something Francesca had been
tempted to do since she had first seen him. 
        "I'll stay and help Mandy with supper." Tara offered and Ray shook
his head. 
        "It's almost done." He assured easily as he moved to place an arm
over the girl's slim shoulders affectionately. "Mandy's a great cook and
wanted to do everything herself for Christmas Eve." He smirked. "Of course
she has tasted my cookin' so we know why she wanted somethin' a little
better for guests." The others chuckled, as Mandy raised up on tiptoe and
whispered something to Ray. 
        "Ask her." He encouraged as he shifted Nathan to his other arm, so
he could hold him further away from grabbing the utensils his sister was
using. Amanda dipped her head shyly and shook her head, pretending to
concentrate on the potato in her hand. "Not even gonna try, hmmm? Not even
for Christmas?" She shook her head again and he sighed and squeezed her
shoulder tenderly. "Dat's okay." 
        "What is it, Ray?" Fraser inquired. 
        "She wants to know if Frannie would like to help her with supper."
Ray replied, regarding the pretty Italian quietly, before smiling down at
Amanda again. "She has her own family ta go home to, but maybe she'll
visit us again and you two can cook together then, okay?" 
        "I'd like that very much, Amanda." Francesca offered and Amanda's
dark eyes captured hers for a moment, then she nodded and turned back to
her chore, as Ray shot Francesca a grateful look. 
        He took them for a quick tour around the house. The living room,
kitchen with a breakfast patio, small dining area, a den and a partial
bathroom were on the ground level. A full basement and workshop was below
and Ray commented on turning it into a play room or recreation area with a
pool table later on. Three bedrooms and two bathrooms were on the upper
level. There were heavy child gates on both stair case entries' to keep
the toddler from crawling up or down the steps. 
        "Dis will be Nathan's room." Ray informed as they stepped into the
first room they came to off the stairwell. It had hideous wallpaper and
was stacked with boxes that they had not yet found the time to open, but
two large windows and a wall unit for shelves, so it had plenty of
potential. "I'll repaint it and I got his bed and stuff on order." 
    "Where does he sleep now?" Tara asked as they moved past the bathroom.

        "In my room." Ray replied calmly as he opened the door to the next
room, about a half a size larger. "Sometimes in Mandy's just depends." 
         This one also had boxes stacked in the corners, but held a large
double bed with a soft lavender bedspread and canopy, trimmed with white
lace. A deep walnut dresser and matching looking glass was set up against
the wall closest to the wide window, which also had a matching shelf seat
built under the sill.  A small wicker chair sat in one corner. There were
no decorations on the walls as yet, but a large stuffed tiger sat in the
middle of the bed. Fraser noticed the familiar dream catcher that hung
over the bed and glanced at his friend. 
        "I take it this is Amanda's room?" Fraser commented with a smile,
touched that his partner was allowing the girl the use of his special
gift. Ray shrugged, slightly embarrassed. 
        "Yah, I know it seems a little much for a teenager, but she never
had a real child hood and when she saw dat bed her eyes lit up like
stars." He explained as they moved further down the hall and Nathan
started to squirm in his arms to get down. Since there were child gates at
the top of the stairs as well, Ray allowed it and watched the little boy
run down to the room at the end of the hall. 
        "I imagine that will be your room, then." Fraser grinned as they
followed the excited toddler. 
        "It's also where his toys are." Ray grinned as they entered the
master bedroom, catching hold of Nathan as he tried to climb into his crib
by himself, which sat close to Ray's own bed. 
        The furniture matched the detective's former bedroom in the old
apartment, but this room was twice the size of his last bedroom and so
there was a slightly different placement. Fraser was pleased to see it
just the same. A large, secluded bathroom led just off of the bedroom,
with all the amenities, a large garden tub and shower stall, with double
sinks along an ivory marble counter top. 
        "Wanna go sleepy bye?" Ray encouraged Nathan, as he set the boy
inside the bed and he started to lie down. He held his arms up to Ray.
"Didn't think so Wanna come up?" 
        Nathan pondered this for a minute, then stood up, bracing, himself
against the wooden bars. He started jumping up and down and giggling. 
         "Aw...yer just lookin' fer attention." Ray teased lovingly,
unaware of the affectionate smiles he received from Tara and Fraser as
they watched him, and the look of longing Francesca attempted to hide. 
        "The house is lovely, Ray." Fraser assured as his friend plucked
the energetic boy from the crib and they headed back downstairs. "I would
be happy to assist you in any renovations you care to undertake." 
        "I was hopin' you'd say dat, Fraser." Ray grinned at him as they
moved back to the living room and Francesca glanced at her watch. 
        "I...I really should go." She decided. "Ma will be worried." She
gave Tara a quick hug as Fraser fetched her things. 
        "Sure ya don't wanna stay and decorate the tree wit us?" She shook
her head and he nodded resigned. "Thanks fer lettin' me show ya my house,
Frannie." Nathan started to squirm in his arms again, then held his hands
out to the Italian woman. 
        Francesca exchanged a startled glance with Ray, but his eyes held
something deeper as she raised her arms to accept the boy. He wrapped his
arms around her neck and presented her with a wet kiss. She hugged him as
hard as she dared before handing him back to Ray, who set him on the floor
next to a pile of his toys. 
        "Do not show him how to lick electrical sockets." Ray warned
Fraser jokingly, though all the outlets had been child proofed. 
        "That's just silly, Ray." The Mountie argued, pressing his lips
together firmly to cease the rising twitch from forming. "The tree bark
will hold more fiber for a child." Ray did a double take at him then shook
his head grinning. 
        "I'll walk ya out." Ray offered to Francesca as Tara and Fraser
agreed to watch that Nathan didn't get into mischief. He didn't bother
putting on a coat, but he held her hand again as they headed down the
drive to her car. Before he could help himself, he lowered his lips to
caress her cheek in a hesitant kiss. "Merry Christmas Frannie." 
        "Ray?" she began softly, she couldn't help wanting to be with him,
even now. Stella was right, once he got into your heart you could not
exercise the power that was Stanley Raymond Kowalski. Besides, now that
she had seen who he had been running home to the other day, how could she
deny wanting to be apart of his new family? "W...will you come to dinner
tomorrow? Ma expects it, now that yer back and Ben and Tara will be there
and..." 
        "Do you want me to?" he interrupted her babbling and she lowered
her eyes again. 
        "I...if you want to come." She deflected and he sighed. 
        "Maybe not den, I do have Mandy and Nat...." he reasoned but
Francesca jumped in. 
        "Ma would love ta meet them." She assured quickly. "You know it's
always the more the merrier for her and den you or Mandy wouldn't have ta
cook a big meal and..." 
        "If I come by fer dinner, " Ray traded. "I would have ta leave da
kids here, Frannie. Dey're not used to a lot of people, dey're real
mistrustin' and shy right now. Yer family is great, but dey're also a lot
of dem and dey're really loud and noisy sometimes." Francesca nodded in
understanding; of course that would be too much too soon for the children.
He traced a path across her cheek and extended the same invitation he had
offered her when he drove her home. "You could come by here, if you wanted
to. Fer supper maybe, after ya had yer big family gathering." He paused
and dropped his hand. "I know how important family is ta ya." 
        "Do...do you want me to?" she whispered, rising doubtful
shimmering eyes to his. 
        "I want ya to do whatever yer comfortable wit, Frannie." He
amended gently. "Of course I want you to, I want to be with you, but ya
gotta do what you feel is best." 
        "I...I'll think about it." She finally agreed as he opened her
door for her. 
        "Frannie?" he suddenly asked and crouched down to be level with
her as she slid behind the wheel. She stared into his eyes waiting for him
to finish and he hesitated, but whatever he had been about she would not
hear that day, for he just shook his head and offered her a smile. "Merry
Christmas, Sweetness." 
        "Merry Christmas, Ray." She returned disappointed, then waited for
him to move back and close the door before pulling away. 
  

        Ray was just putting away the newspaper from a few of the moving
boxes he had unpacked, when he heard the doorbell chime. He quickly
stepped out of the garage and through the connecting door to hurry down
the hallway. Francesca Vecchio stood on the doorstep; her arms loaded with
parcels and packages. He threw the door open and let her in, quickly
removing the majority of her load from her arms. 
        "What's all this?" he asked surprised, trying to sound normal and
relaxed though his heart was racing and his palms were suddenly sweating.
She had come, he honestly hadn't let himself hope that she would, but here
she was, standing in his home at just a little after three on Christmas
Day. 
        "I told Ma I was coming by," Francesca explained breathlessly as
he set the other packages aside and helped her off with her coat. "So she
sent you some leftovers from dinner." Ray looked over the bags and
packages. 
    "Dis is all food?" he exclaimed in amazement and she nodded as she
slid off her boots and retrieved some of the load to bring into the
kitchen. 
        "You know Ma." She sighed as they set them on the counter and
started sorting through them. "I tried to tell her that you probably
already had leftovers from yer own Christmas dinner, but she said a man
doesn't know how to prepare a proper traditional meal, so she wanted to
make sure you had a little bit of everything." Ray smiled at her nervous
babble. 
        "I'm glad you came, Frannie." He offered as he tried to find room
in the fridge for most of it, trying not to notice the blush creeping into
her cheeks. "Tell Ma I said thanks. We actually didn't get to eat
anything, we...had a little crisis here and food was kinda forgotten." 
        "What happened?" she asked immediately concerned. 
        She hadn't slept a wink last night, trying to decide if she should
come by and visit Ray and his new family, but by morning she decided she
simply had to, to see if there was a future for them or if all was lost.
That didn't make her any less nervous about it, but Ma's food seemed to
break the ice easily for them. Ray however, did look tired and worn out,
she cursed herself for not noticing the tension when she first arrived. 
        "Well, Mandy had some really bad dreams last night and I ended up
staying up most of da night and dis morning with her, tryin' to get her ta
talk to me." He explained quietly as he continued to load the containers
she offered him into the fridge. "We came out to the living room at some
point and she saw da gifts under the tree. She has a...problem with
acceptin' anything from anyone and though I explained dat it was Christmas
so she had to have somethin' under da tree, she just got all upset and
started cryin' again." He closed the fridge and leaned back against the
counter. "She ran into her room and won't come out. I...I've tried
everything, Frannie, but she won't let me in or talk to me." He gripped
the counter tightly, until his knuckles were white. "I didn't want it ta
be like dat fer her, not at Christmas." 
        "Do you think she might talk to me, Ray?" Francesca offered,
sensing his distress. "Sometimes there are things you can say to another
woman that come harder with a man." 
        "If...if you think it would do any good, Frannie." He stammered.
"I...I'm lost, I can't get through ta her and I've always been able to
before." 
        "I'll see what I can do." She promised. "Where's Nat?" 
        "He's asleep. He woke up fer awhile and played, but I didn't show
him the tree because I wanted everyone to open their gifts together,
y'know?" Francesca nodded. 
        "Why don't you start heating some of that stuff up and I'll go
talk to Mandy." Ray nodded and offered her a grateful smile. 
  

        Francesca climbed the steps and knocked on the girl's bedroom
door. When she received no answer, she tried the knob, and was glad to
find it was open. Ray wouldn't have barged in without Mandy inviting him,
but Francesca wasn't the gentleman Ray was, sometimes you had to get tough
with kids. Mandy was still in her nightclothes, a long T-shirt and a
purple flannel robe, must be her favorite color, Francesca though
absently. 
        "Amanda?" she greeted, closing the door and moving over to sit
besides the girl, who was stretched out on the bed with her face hidden in
her pillow. "Honey, what's wrong? Ray is awfully upset that ya won't talk
to him, he's afraid you don't like him anymore." Ray of course had never
said that but improvising with a little guilt was a tool of the trade when
dealing with teenagers. Amanda shook her head and buried deeper into the
pillow. "Well, I guess ya just don't care about his feelings then, after
he worked so hard to make this a special Christmas for you and Nathan." 
        "I do!" Amanda cried suddenly, and though the pillow muffled her
voice it had startled Francesca. Well, step one accomplished, she was
talking. 
        "You do what?" Francesca inquired innocently and Amanda sat up and
wiped at her face, though she didn't meet the other woman's gaze. 
        "C...care." she murmured sniffling and Francesca handed her the
box of tissues that was on her nightstand. 
        "Then why won't you talk to him?" she demanded softly. "Why don't
you go and open your Christmas presents with him and Nat?" She shook her
head and blew her nose with a tissue dejectedly. "It's all right to have
someone give ya something, Amanda, it just means they care about ya and
want to make you happy." 
        "Nothing!" she sobbed brokenly. 
        "What?" Francesca questioned confused. 
        "I...I have n...nothing f...for h...him." She finally managed
desperately. "He...he won't think I....I care...a...about h...him."
Francesca hid a smile and shook her head, swallowing the urge to pull the
girl into her arms. So that's why she was upset. 
        "Honey, Ray isn't like that." She assured. "He doesn't expect ya
to have a present under the tree for him, he'd much rather have a warm hug
and a kiss or just have you show him how ya feel, then any old store
bought gift." A light of hope registered in the girl's eyes. 
        "Really?" she gulped, trying to contain her sobbing, for the
moment at least. "I...it's just...h...he's been so great to me and Nat
and...I know he...he's trying to...to make it so we can stay with him."
She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "B...but he looks so s...sad sometimes
and...and lonely." She raised her gaze to hold Francesca's
determinedly.        "He...he told me about you." 
        "H...he did?" Francesca returned shocked. 
        "He...he said there was a very beautiful and caring woman b...back
in Chicago that had stolen his h...heart and that  he hoped one day we
w...would all be a family." Amanda explained and Francesca felt the
painful tugs at her heart. "H...he said he h...hurt you and that...that he
didn't know if...if you would forgive him. B...But I heard the social
worker talking and they won't let us stay with him unless he...he has a
wife. I...I said he s...should ask you, because he loves you, but he said
he couldn't b...because of what happened before." 
        "I'm sure if there is a way for you to stay with Ray, he will find
it." Francesca soothed as she tried to deal with the swirling emotions
inside her. So he did still want her, still loved her, but he was afraid
because he had hurt her, to ask her directly to share his life again. She
plastered a smile on her face. "Why don't we fix your face, so he doesn't
know you've been crying and then we'll go downstairs, have some supper and
open some Christmas gifts?" Amanda nodded shyly, then reached up to touch
Francesca's hair. 
        "C...can you fix my hair like yours?" she requested and Francesca
grinned. 
        "I'll give it my best shot." 

        They entered the kitchen together, where Ray was just laying on
the counter the small buffet style meal of Turkey with all the fixings
that he had heated up. He turned and smiled as he noticed them, taking in
Amanda's styled hair and pretty green dress. 
        "Well, aren't you a pretty picture?" he exclaimed proudly and was
pleasantly surprised when she ran into his arms and hugged him as hard as
she could. Ray glanced over her head to Francesca, who simply smiled
encouragingly, and then he wrapped his arms around the young woman fondly.

        "I'm sorry for messing up Christmas." She blurted as she clung to
him. "I didn't have anything to give you for the stuff you bought for me
and I didn't think you would know I cared because I didn't have anything
but Miss. Vecchio said that I could give you this as my gift." She paused
in her hurried speech to reach up and kiss Ray firmly on the cheek. "I
love you, Ray and I want to stay with you forever. Merry Christmas."
Suddenly shy she burst from his arms and ran for the sanctuary of the
living room as Ray stood feeling slightly dazed. 
        "Ray?" Francesca asked bemused as he continued to stand bewildered
in the middle of the kitchen. 
        "W...what...Did I miss something?" he questioned confused and
Francesca laughed. 
        "Yes, dinner, so round up the kids and let's get to eating before
it gets cold." 

        Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their feast, courtesy of Ma Vecchio,
and were soon seated by the newly decorated Christmas tree and unwrapping
gifts. Francesca had also brought a few gifts for the kids and even for
Ray from members of her family, to his surprise and chagrin. 
        Amanda thanked Ray for every gift as she opened it; her eyes
growing more and more excited with each package. He had purchased and
assortment of clothing, which she really needed, some stuffed animals to
add to the collection he had already started for her, which he felt every
young girl should have, a few books and knickknacks and a couple of pieces
of tasteful costume jewelry. The one she exclaimed the most over however
was a special edition Barbie that was dressed as Dorothy, from The Wizard
of Ox, Amanda's favorite book. She ran to Ray and threw her arms around
him, unable to stop the flow of tears from falling. 
        Ray had been worried that the young girl, who never had much of a
child hood to begin with, would think a Barbie was too childish a gift,
but seeing her reaction now he knew he had made the right choice. 
        "Oh Ray!" she cried against him happily. "I love her! She's the
most wonderful doll in the whole world! Thank you thank you thank you."
Ray blushed shyly at her praise, but was pleased she liked it so much. 
        "Merry Christmas, sweetheart." He whispered in the same soft tone
Francesca had often heard him use with her, and she smiled regretfully. He
truly loved these kids, of that she had no doubt, but was Amanda right in
assuming he would never be awarded custody without a wife? She shook her
head and contented herself with enjoying the sight of Ray interacting with
the kids. 
        Amanda had lost some of her usual sobriety and shyness and was
trying to get Ray to sing Christmas carols with her, though she didn't
know many and Ray took advantage of that to start singing the silliest
off-season songs. You Are My Sunshine, SOS, and Puff the Magic Dragon and
Amanda continued to giggle at him in frustrated glee. 
        "Silent night?" Francesca suggested, getting into it. 
        "Not possible wit two women in da house." Ray teased and Francesca
smacked him with the sofa pillow exasperated. 
        "You do not really want ta hear me sing." He assured as he walked
over and found a station that was playing the Christmas carols. "There,
have at it." The two glared at him with a secret delight then started
singing to spite him. 
        Francesca knew Ray had a very nice voice, she often heard him
singing in the shower or around his apartment when he didn't think she
could hear him, but she knew he was incredibly shy about singing in public
so she let it slide. Amanda didn't know many of the words to the carols,
but she caught on quickly enough with Francesca's encouragement. 
Ray had gotten down on the floor to help Nat play with some of his new
toys, and the boy was gleefully switching from one item to the next while
trying to watch his sister and Francesca sing and laugh through the music.

        "So many toys so little time." Ray chuckled at the boy's
indecision then watched two chubby hands rub reluctantly at his eyes.
"Some one's ready fer da Sandman I think." Francesca laughed as Nat gave
him a look that said, it sure as hell ain't me, mister. Then at the
mentioning of bedtime, she glanced at her watch and was shocked to see it
was going for eight p.m. 
        "Goodness!" she exclaimed abruptly as she rose to her feet from
the sofa. "I didn't realize it was so late. I need to get home." 
        She'd been having such a good time she'd lost track of the hour.
Ray regarded her quietly for a moment and she saw a wave of disappointment
flash across his handsome features. Finally he hefted the sleepy boy into
his arms and handed him over to Amanda, who was beside him instantly, as
though knowing when she was needed. 
        "Take him on up, Mandy." He requested gently. "I'll be up in a
minute to tuck him in." She nodded, then hesitated as she passed by
Francesca. She stepped back and gave the pretty brunette a quick kiss on
the cheek. 
        "Thank you for coming." She murmured shyly then hurried out.
Francesca looked after her fondly, then returned her gaze to Ray, who had
wandered over to the picture window to glance outside. 
        "It's snowin' pretty hard, Frannie." He remarked quietly. "Yer
car's practically buried in da drive way." Francesca moved over beside him
and gasped at the tall drifts of winter white landscape that seemed to
cover everything in sight. 
         She could barely see her small car, and only half of Ray's
Expedition. Not a thing was moving on the road, it looked as though even
the plows had not been through and probably wouldn't until morning or it
stopped snowing, whichever came first. She glanced up at Ray under hooded
lashes as he shook his head at the weather before them. 
        "Haven't seen a snow fall like dis since I was in Canada wit
Fraser." He muttered in amazement. He glanced down at her and caught her
staring, making her blush. "You should probably stay over." 
        "I...I can walk, Ray." She assured nervously, though whether or
not she'd even find the street her house was on in all that white was a
question. 
        "Ya'd never make it." He cautioned and she knew it was the cop in
him talking now. "It's at least four blocks to yer house and if ya wander
off da road in da dark, ya won't be able ta find yer footsteps back
through because the snow's fallin' to hard." 
        Before Francesca could protest further the lights flickered and
the house was plunged into darkness, save for the firelight from the
fireplace in the living room. Ray heard Mandy's scream and called back for
her to stay put so he could find her in the dark, before she got hurt. 
        "You be okay fer a minute, Frannie?" he asked concerned, as he
grabbed a candle from the mantel and lit it with the flames from the fire.
She nodded, there was still plenty of light to see in here and the dark
didn't bother her, not like it bothered Ray. 
        "Want me to go?" she offered gently and she saw a ghost of a smile
on his lips before he turned away. 
        "Thanks, but I'll just be a minute." She nodded and glanced back
outside again. 
        All the lights on the street were out, but a full moon cast an
ivory glow on the winter wonderland. She retrieved the other candle from
the mantle and bent to light it from the fire. She carried it into the
dining area, where she remembered two more candles had been set up on the
table by Mandy for their Christmas dinner. She brought them back to the
living room and lit them as well, placing them strategically about the
room so there was a pleasant yellow and orange glow all the way around the
room, with hardly any room for shadows. 
        Ray returned a few moments later with Mandy and Nat, looking
relieved at the added illumination and smiled his thanks to her. They all
settled quietly and glanced out at the falling snow, since Francesca had
pulled the heavy drapes back to afford them the advantage of the moonlight
as well. Ray sat on the sofa with Mandy curled up at his side and Nat
half-asleep in his arms while Francesca watched them from her chair
closest to the fireplace. She wanted to be a part of the tender family
scene she was witnessing, but she was afraid to include herself, to ask if
she could join, so she just turned her eyes back to the snow outside. 
        "It's so quiet." Mandy whispered as she snuggled closer to Ray.
"Like we're the only people in the world." Ray smiled fondly, the
firelight causing devilish shadows to dance across his angular features
and make him appear dark and mysterious. 
        "It was like dis in Canada." He commented softly. " Da Territories
were always so quiet and still, with nothin' ta see but snow and blue
sky." 
        "Tell me about them, Ray?" she requested and Francesca found she
too was interested. 
        Ray had never spoken much about his time in Fraser's home land,
she had assumed he had hatted it because he was so sick when he had been
forced to return. Ray's expression turned wistful, then amused, and then
finally remorseful. 
        "I didn't like it at first." He admitted. "It was so cold all the
time, and so isolated I felt I was gonna go nuts! We were pretty much at
Mother Nature's mercy, 'cause anything we wanted we had ta work real hard
fer. It took weeks sometimes to come upon a small village, usually Inuit,
but da people were always real accomodatin'. Most of 'em lived in small
huts, wit a whole in da ground fer da fire and just a few mats on da floor
ta sleep. No electricity, no indoor plumbing, no packaged food. If ya
wanted ta eat, ya had to catch it and kill it, clean it and cook it
yerself." A secret smile tugged at his lips. "First few weeks I woulda
given anythin' for a nice big pizza wit pineapple and Canadian bacon and a
six pack a beer." 
        "What did you eat?" Mandy inquired intrigued. 
        "Oh, whatever we could find." He returned easily. "Sometimes we
had rabbit, sometimes fish dat Fraser would catch through a hole in da ice
if we were near water. If we were really lucky we'd run into a young buck
or bull moose and da venison meat would last us a good while. Fraser was a
good hunter and he knew all da tricks ta preserve da meat so we could
ration it. Other times we existed on hard bread and jerky." 
        "Sounds disgusting." Mandy decided and he chuckled. 
        "I thought so too, at first, but when all ya been eatin' fer a
month of Sundays is tasteless hard bread, canned beans and bark stew, a
good Moose Burger can be like a top sirloin, it just takes getting' used
to." 
        "Why didn't you stay?" she pressed. "Because it was so cold and
stuff?" 
        "Nah," Ray returned. "I got used ta da cold mostly and da walkin'
and da types of meals we ate, it was da isolation dat got to me, Mandy.
Even wit Fraser dere, I felt like I was stuck in some kinda soundless,
endless, colorless void that I couldn't get out of. I couldn't make myself
leave, because Fraser was my best friend and I really didn't have much
here ta come back to. But den I caught phenomena and Frase felt so guilty
for 'subjecting me to the elements' as he put it, dat he talked me in ta
leavin'." 
        "Do you miss it?" she asked, her voice turning sleepy as she lay
her head down on his lap and curled her feet up onto the sofa. Ray smiled
and caressed her hair with his free hand, Nathan was sound asleep against
his other arm, which was also going to sleep. 
        "Sometimes." He admitted quietly. "I used ta like sleepin' under
an open sky, full of stars and smelling like fresh winter mints." 
        "Can we go there sometime, Ray?" she yawned as he eyes drifted
closed. 
        "We'll see." He promised and continued to lull her to sleep with
the rhythmic smoothing of his hand. After a few moments, she started to
snore quietly and Ray glanced over at Francesca, who was watching them
sleep. 
        "They really love you, Ray." She whispered, so as not to disturb
the slumbering children. 
        "I love them." He replied just as quietly. "Sometimes....
sometimes it scares me how much, Frannie. I...I don't know what I'll do if
they're taken away from me." Francesca stood and moved to kneel before
him. 
        "You won't loose them." She promised softly, meeting his eyes with
an intensity that neither of them could explain or deny. "Let's get them
to bed." He nodded and allowed her to take Nathan as he carefully
maneuvered Amanda further across his lap so he could pull her into his
arms as he stood. 
        Francesca grabbed a candle, after blowing out the others, since
she had a free hand, and guided their way upstairs. Ray was surprised to
find that sometime during the evening, Amanda had moved her brother's crib
into her room, but he accepted it, since she often had times when she had
to be around the child she had reared almost by herself and have him near.

        Francesca didn't want to chance waking the toddler by changing him
into his pajamas so she just pulled off the boy's denim overalls and
placed him in the crib with his T-shirt and diaper still on. She pulled
the blanket up over him and made sure the baby monitor attached to the
crib was on, then turned to help Ray with Amanda. 
        He had already pulled the covers back and had pulled the zipper
down on her dress. He asked Francesca to fetch a nightgown from the bureau
and as Ray pulled the dress down, Francesca slipped the gown over Amanda's
head discretely. With gentle arms, Ray lifted her again and lay her upon
the sheets then pulled the covers up over her securely. He bent and kissed
her forehead lovingly as Francesca hung Amanda's dress over the back of a
wicker chair. 
        "Still asleep?" she asked him as she watched him creep over to
stare down at Nathan. 
        "Down fer da count." He whispered back as he allowed himself a
soft caress across the child's brow, before finally moving out of the
room. "I really think ya should stay over, Frannie." He reminded once they
had closed the door and were away from the children's room. "Ya can sleep
in my room and I'll take da sofa downstairs, it opens to a bed anyway." 
        "Okay." She agreed without further protest, as she led him back
down stairs. "Let me call Ma." Ray found the cordless phone for her and
punched in the number before handing it over. 
        He moved to peer out the window again as he half listened to
Francesca explain where she was and that she wouldn't be coming home
tonight because of the snow. She paused for a moment then offered the
phone to Ray. 
        "Ma want's ta talk to you." She watched confusion and a trace of
trepidation slide across his expressive features, even as he accepted the
device. 
        "Hi Ma." He greeted giving Francesca a worried look. "Merry
Christmas." Francesca could hear her mother's tearful voice on the other
end, even from where she stood. "No, Ma. "I'm sorry I didn't come by
I...of course I do. You know better den that.  Thanks fer the food
it...They're fine, they're asleep now. No, our power is out over here. Ma!
Ma, I...slow down Ma I don't speak Italian, remember?" 
        Francesca hid a smile behind her hand moved closer, putting her
ear next to Ray's to hear her mother's words. Ray tried not to notice the
trembling in his hands as he tried to hold the receiver to approximate
them both. Having her so near was doing strange things to him. 
        "Ma!" Francesca finally interceded. "English Ma." A brief pause
and them Mrs. Vecchio continued in stammered English. "No, Ma I promise
not to drive him up the wall." Ray smirked and she glared at him. "I never
said anything about not drivin' ya through one." She hissed for his ears
only and he had to choke back a laugh. They continued to assure Ma that
everything was okay and finally she commented that she could count on Ray
to take care of her little girl, but then Ray Vecchio got on the
extension. 
        "Kowalski." He growled. "My sister is not spendin' da night wit
you. I'll come by and get her." 
        "The roads are a mess, Vecchio." Ray cautioned, though Francesca
heard the carried threat in his tone. "I ain't gonna do anything ta
Frannie and you need ta stop tryin' ta run her life." 
        "Listen you son of a..." Vecchio cursed but Francesca interceded,
she was not going to let her brother cause another problem with her and
Ray. 
        "I'm stayin' here, Ray." She decided firmly. "It's dangerous
outside and besides, there's two kids in the house, what the hell you
think we're gonna do anyway?" her brother was silent. "Trust me ta know
what I'm doin', okay?" 
        "Fine, Frannie." Ray spat. "But if he hurts ya again it'll be only
yerself ta blame." 
        "Merry Christmas to you to, Vecchio." Ray hissed sarcastically
then gave the receiver to Francesca and moved to stoke the fire, his whole
posture had tensed in anger. Francesca said goodbye to her mother and
ended the call. 
        She approached him slowly as he pulled the protective netting
across and hooked the poker back on it's stand then straightened and
shoved his hands in his pockets, continuing to stare down at the fire.
They watched the flames spark and dance with a rejuvenated spirit, each
wishing they had the courage to say what was on their minds. 
        Finally Ray turned, grabbed a candle and headed back toward the
stairs. Francesca quickly followed him as he strode into his room and went
to his dresser to pull out a long, blue satin nightgown and offered it to
her. She stared at him in surprise, wondering where it had come from. 
        "It was mixed in wit my laundry." He explained as she finally
reached tentatively for the shirt. "When I moved I just took it wit me in
case...in case I got a chance ta return it." She nodded shyly and accepted
it as Ray set the candle on the top of the chest of drawers and pulled out
a pair of shorts and a T-shirt for himself. "I'll be outta yer hair in a
minute, soon as I grab a pillow and some sheets." 
        "Ray." She began stepping in front of him as he moved to walk
past. 
        He looked down at her and waited, she could see the nervous
flickering in his gaze and she thought about how much his eyes reminded
her of a stormy sea. Neither blue, nor green, nor gray, but a combination
of all three, with a secret mystery hidden beneath their smoldering
depths. She could get lost in those depths, as easily as a rising tide
could pull her tiny body beneath the surf of its waves and rob her of her
breath and life force. 
        "What Frannie?" Ray finally had to ask, he needed to put some
distance between them, and he didn't want to mess up or push her for a
decision by showing he still could react strongly to her presence. 
        "W...why don't you sleep in here?" she suggested timidly. "It...it
is yer bed." She tried to think of how many times she had lain on that
same bed, not always to make love, sometimes just to hold the man who was
everything to her. He was everything, he was all that she could hope for
and wether things worked out for them or not, she wanted the memory of
being close to him again to sustain her. 
        "I ain't lettin' ya take the couch, Frannie." He refused frowning.
"It ain't..." What was that word Fraser used? Oh yeah. "Chivalrous." 
        "Okay." She agreed. "H...How about we b...both sleep here then?"
She held her breath as his body coiled tighter than a spring suddenly
being pulled taut. 
        "I think you had to much wine at dinner." He decided slowly as he
took in her flushed face, evident even in the gloom of the candlelight. 
        She bit her lip and lowered her eyes. He was rejecting
her...again! No, back up, Frannie, think a minute. What had Amanda said?
The young girls' words sounded in her head.  He said there was a very
beautiful and caring woman back in Chicago that had stolen his heart and
that he hoped one day we would all be a family....  He needs a wife.... I
told him to ask you... he couldn't because of what happened before....He
said he loves you. 
        "I only had a glass and a half, Ray." She defended firmly. "I am
not even tipsy, let alone drunk." Ray regarded her carefully for a few
long moments. 
         He was drunk, then, because he couldn't have heard her suggest
they both sleep in his bed tonight. It wasn't an intoxication from the
glass of wine he had, it was an addiction to Frannie that was sending his
senses out of whack and making every nerve in his body tingle and throb
almost painfully. He shook his head, sluggishly and caught himself before
he stumbled backwards. 
        "S...stay? Both of us? I...in one bed?" he repeated as though he
hadn't heard her correctly the first time, but Francesca was nodding
slowly and he had to shake his head again and step back from her.
"Dat's...dat's not a good idea, Franne. I...I mean I'm tryin' ta be good
about....y'know...us bein...not an us...um...right now and
me...ah...wantin' ya and...dat...dat would make me...make it...da
situation really hard.... tight...difficult to deal wit." He gave her a
look of exasperation and she smiled. 
        "What did you get me for Christmas, Ray?" she inquired huskily and
Ray recognized the vixen rising within her. 
        "I...it's...I got ya something!" he defended indignantly, if he
could just remember which box it was in, for he had bought it months ago. 
"It...I just didn't get a chance ta...ta wrap it." 
        "Where is it then?" she countered and saw the trapped look in his
eyes. 
        "It...I...I do have somethin' fer ya Frannie." He said again,
encouraging her to believe him. "But I packed it and I...I can't
re...remember which box it's in. But I'll spend all day tomorrow lookin'
fer it and..." 
        "That doesn't do me any good now, Ray." She mused. "It's Christmas
day and I don't have a present to open. You said my present to you would
be if I stopped by, well, I'm here and now I want a gift too." Ray glanced
around the dimly lit room, searching his mind for what he could use to get
out of this, but he was drawing a blank. 
        "I...what do ya want, Frannie?" he asked finally and regretted the
words the minute they left his mouth as she stepped closer and ran a hand
down the front of his short. 
        "I want to share your bed for this night." She whispered, as her
other hand reached up to coil through his thick blond mane and pulled his
lips down to hers. 
        She closed her eyes and shivered, for she had wanted to do this
all day. Ray moaned against her, his clothes falling to the floor as he
wrapped his arms around her. God she tasted so sweet, always like the
sweetest candy Ray could imagine. 
        "Frannie." He almost whimpered against her lips. "I...I told
Vecchio I wouldn't..." 
        "He's not here." She murmured as she slid her tongue against the
moist inner flesh of his lips and felt his shaky breath tickle her face.
"I want this Ray, with you, just this night." 
        "W...what about..." he began to protest but she silenced him with
another kiss that took his breath away and left him weak in the knees. 
        "Worry about tomorrow when it comes." She soothed as she moved
over to close the bedroom door then move back to grasp his hand and guide
him to the bed. He followed her, feeling drugged and confused. 
        "Tomorrow never comes, Sweetness." He whispered, wondering where
he had heard that before, as she pushed him onto his back and crawled over
him, nibbling at his face, ears and throat. "It just becomes today." 
        "Hmmm." She agreed as she captured his mouth under hers once
again. 
  

        Francesca heard the soft whimper coming over the small baby
intercom, and at first started to drift back to sleep, but then a louder
cry sounded and she felt Ray bolt up in the bed. It wasn't the baby, the
cry was too pitiful, which meant it had to be Amanda. She watched Ray
shrug into his jeans and hurry out of the room, before she pulled on his
robe and quickly followed. The power must have returned at some point,
because Ray had automatically slapped on the hall light and it brightened
their way. 
        They came to Amanda's room and Francesca saw the girl thrashing
mournfully about on her bed as Ray rushed to her side. At first when he
touched her she started to scream and fought him, but he gripped her
wrists tightly and spoke in a gentle, but no nonsense tone 
        "Wake up Mandy. It's Ray sweetheart, yer okay yer home wit me.
Wake up baby, com'ahn." Finally the girl's eyes opened and tried to focus
on the man sitting on the bed beside her. She threw her arms around him
and allowed him to rock her gently until her shaking stopped and her tears
receded. 
        "B...B....B....Bad...." she stammered and Ray cradled her and
shook his head. 
        "No, darlin', no bad things here." He assured. "Only good things.
Talk it through, Mandy. Tell me da good things." The girl sniffed
dejectedly as she remained pressed against him. 
        "T...t....t...the T...tin M...M....Man." She murmured. 
        "Yep," Ray agreed gently. "The Tin man from da Wizard of Oz.,
another one." 
        "C....C...chocolate ice cream." 
        "Keep goin'." 
        "Y...Y..your turn." She offered. 
        "Okay, pizza wit pineapples." Francesca fought a ghost of a smile
as their game continued. 
        "N...Nat when he...'s t...t....trying to talk." 
        "Christmas presents." Ray encouraged as Francesca finally realized
what he was doing, trying to make her bad dream go away by having her tell
him all her favorite things. 
        "M....M....my doll." She continued quietly and Francesca smiled,
even though neither of them even knew she was there. 
        "My buddy Fraser." 
        "Snow." 
        "Hockey." Ray replied and Amanda paused for a moment as she tried
to come up with another one, her dream almost forgotten. 
        "Umm....the color purple." 
        "Brave young women named Amanda with gold in their hair and
sweetness in their smile." Ray whispered and she raised moist eyes to his,
seeing the truth behind them. 
        "Cops named Ray with blond hair, blue-green eyes and a heart as
big Chicago." She returned shyly and Ray laughed and hugged her a little
harder. "I love you Ray." 
        "I love ya too, Mandy." He managed, though his voice was thick
with emotion. "Never ferget dat, no matter what else happens you remember
dat, okay?" She nodded, her lower lip trembling slightly. "Feel better?"
She nodded and allowed him to tuck the covers back around her. "Want me ta
stay til ya fall asleep?" Again she nodded and so Ray remained perched on
the bed, holding her hand, until she drifted off. 
Nathan never made a sound, perhaps he was used to sleeping through his
sister's night terrors, but Francesca could see the strain on Ray's face
as he finally rose slowly from his position and backed out of the room. 
        "She have nightmares often?" Francesca couldn't help asking as
they returned to the master bedroom. 
        "Yah, few times a week at least." He commented. "She used ta have
em every night, but she's gettin' better." 
        "Is it because of where she lived before?" Francesca inquired and
Ray sat down on the bed and related the whole story behind Amanda's
behavior and nightmares. Francesca shook her head sadly then, in an effort
to take Ray's mind off it as well, she turned her attentions to seducing
him, which didn't really take much prodding on her part. 
  

        She awoke early the following morning, sun streamed in through
tiny slips in the curtains and danced across the green and gray bedspread
that covered them. She sighed, feeling happy and sated, then curled back
against the warmth of the body that was spooned against hers. Ray's arm
was tossed across her and she pulled it closer to her naked bosom and
linked her fingers with his. His breathing was slow and steady so she knew
he was still asleep. 
        They had made love twice, the first time had turned wild and
passionate, as they had ached for each other for so long, but the second
time was the lovemaking Francesca had come to treasure, as Ray worshiped
her body with his hands, mouth and a few other things. It was always so
gentle, so thorough and she had forgotten how much she had missed the
fullness she experienced when he claimed her, the sense of complete
belonging she had when they were joined together in love, need and
passion. 
        A timid knock on the bedroom door caused Ray to stir, but did not
rouse him from his sound sleep. Francesca carefully slipped from his arms;
pulled the nightgown she had never even changed into the night before and
padded across to the door. She opened it as gently as she could and was
relieved that it didn't creak. 
        "H...Hi." Amanda stammered shyly as a blush crept up her cheeks.
"Are...did you and...I mean...are you and Ray...Would you like some
breakfast?" she finally blurted and Francesca smiled kindly. 
        "Sure, we'll be down in a few." She assured. "Is Nathan up?"
Amanda nodded and tossed her fidgeting hands behind her. 
        "I already changed him and gave him his breakfast." She stated
without a hint of pride or accusation. "Ray usually gets up before us and
he takes care of him, but I sometimes get up and Ray sleeps in." Francesca
nodded and smiled again. 
        "You sure are a wonderful girl, Amanda." She offered and the girl
lowered her head again, unaccustomed to receiving compliments. 
        "You can call me Mandy, if you want." She suggested then hurried
off. Francesca closed the door and moved back toward the bed, only
slightly surprised to see Ray was still unconscious, he could sleep
through a tornado sometimes. 
        "Ray?" she shook him gently. "Honey, Mandy has breakfast ready fer
us and I have to get home." Perhaps it was her tone or the words
registered that she was leaving and he bolted awake, startling her. "God!
I forgot you do dat, too!" 
        "Sorry." He offered groggily, still not quite awake. "What time is
it?" She glanced at his clock radio. 
        "A little after seven." She informed smiling. "Wakey wakey,
Sleeping Beauty, your breakfast awaits." He didn't smile at her teasing;
instead he just reached up and caressed her cheek. 
        "Yer da Beauty." He stated quietly. "I'm da Beast." She frowned
and started to shake her head but he was pulling her down for a kiss and
she didn't resist him. A few minutes later, when they had to break for
air, Francesca chuckled nervously and slid off the bed. 
        "You'll never get out of bed dis way." She teased, trying to
lighten the tension between them, as she gathered her clothes from the
night before. 
         Ray rolled from the bed reluctantly and moved toward the
bathroom, not bothering to hide his nakedness, as he passed her. But in
the light of day she caught sight of the hairline scar that started just
above the left side of his abdomen and circled around to the middle of his
back almost. She gasped and moved forward in concern, touching her fingers
to the wound and starling him. 
        "It's okay." He assured her, trying to calm the fear he saw in her
eyes. "I just got into a little scrape workin' my last assignment." 
        "What happened?" she demanded. 
        "Nothin', I'm fine, really." 
        "Ray! This looks like a surgery scar." 
        "How would you know dat?" he teased. "Ya go around inspectin'
other guy's scars do ya?" She did not rise to the bait, nor would she
change the subject. 
        "I want you to tell me the truth, Ray." She requested her eyes
flashing with determination but her lower lip trembled slightly. "If you
can't be honest with me we're back to square one again." He lowered his
eyes and sighed. 
        "After breakfast, okay?" he promised, he didn't want to ruin her
appetite. She started to argue, but then she nodded and moved away to
change as he retreated into the bathroom. 
        He leaned against the door and crushed his fists to his eyes in
frustration. He had to tell her, he knew that, but how? She'd either be
totally furious over him being hurt and not calling her, or she'd be
scared away by the idea that Ray's survival and health rate depended on a
tiny piece of glass, that was almost invisible to the naked eye. It was
however large enough to cause sever damage if it ever jarred from its
current position. He sighed and shook his head. He had to tell her, he had
made a vow to not keep things from her anymore and this was too important
to laugh off or sweep under the rug. 
        Francesca had taken the news much better then he had expected. She
had listened quietly as he related his tale and what the doctors had told
him. She only spoke once and that was to inquire if he was doing any of
the things the physicians had warned him about. He told her no and she
nodded then rose explained that she had to go. He helped dig her car out
and waited until she had driven away before stepping back inside and
brushing the snow off his coat and jeans. No kiss good bye, no I'll see
you later, she had driven away in silence and for the second time in two
days Ray felt utterly lost. 
  

        Two days later, Ray Vecchio walked out of the kitchen, where he
had been checking the menu for the day, He watched the hostess guide Ray
Kowalski and another young woman to a table. Vecchio had to clamp down on
his anger, for although this was his and Stella's restaurant, he couldn't
just kick the former detective out because he didn't like him. It wasn't
good customer service. So instead he moved to the bar and settled on one
of the stools to watch the pair. 
        Francesca had told him that Kowalski was taking care of a brother
and sister, but this woman with him was no teenager. Was he playing the
field while still trying to get back with Francesca? Vecchio shook his
head, Kowalski could be a prick some times, but he didn't think the guy
would be that insincere. Still the woman was smiling and laughing at
whatever Kowalski was telling her, borderline flirting, as Vecchio saw it,
yet Kowalski didn't seem to be trying to encourage her. 
        He glanced up and frowned as he saw his mother and Francesca enter
the restaurant, he'd forgotten they were going to stop by today, and now
he had to try and get them out of there before they saw Kowalski and the
red head at the table. He had only just started to stalk toward them when
Kowalski's familiar chuckle made the two women turn toward the corner
table surprised. 
        Oh shit, Vecchio cursed as he paused in mid step. Francesca's eyes
were flashing with hurt and jealousy as she stared at the man she loved
dining with another woman. Kowalski seemed to sense he was being watched
and he turned to meet her poignant gaze. He said something to the other
woman then rose from the table and headed for them. Mrs. Vecchio opened
her arms to him and stepped up to give him a warm hug. 
        "Stanley!" she scolded. "You have not come by to see us? Why do
you stay away, Caro and hurt an old woman's feelings?" Ray gave her a
quick hug, though his eyes never left Francesca's accusing glare. 
        "Sorry, Ma." He offered kindly as Vecchio finally approached.
"Been busy. Hi Frannie." 
        "Ma, I'll meet ya in da car." Francesca stated coolly, turning
away from them and back toward the door. Kowalski reached for her arm, at
the same time Vecchio grabbed his wrist. 
        "Leave her be, Stanley." Her brother warned as Francesca hurried
out of the restaurant. Kowalski glared at him and shook his arm off. 
        "Do you ever mind yer own damn business?" he hissed. "Is yer life
so dull ya gotta always interfere wit others?" 
        "Frannie's my sister dat makes her my business, Stanley." Vecchio
retorted. 
        "Do not fight, so." Mrs. Vecchio stepped in as the red head
approached them. 
        "Is their a problem, Ray?" she inquired curiously. The two men
continued to glare at each other with a hatred that surprised them both,
then Kowalski shook his head at his dinner companion and gently took her
arm. 
        "No problem Rita." He assured. "We were just leaving." 
        "But we haven't ordered yet." She protested but Kowalski was
already bustling her out. 
        "We'll go somewhere else." He assured, then as a shot to Vecchio.
"Where the food and atmosphere isn't so stale." Vecchio's  eyes narrowed
dangerously as he watched them leave and he took a step as if to go after
them, but Ma held her son back with only the mildest touch on his arm. 
        "Enough, Raimundo." She insisted and Ray nodded in compliance. 
         Kowalski led Rita outside and over to his Expedition, glancing
back at Francesca parked a few cars down. He ran a hand through his hair
and gritted his teeth with uncertainty, then he nodded and requested his
companion settle in the vehicle and he would be right back. He gave her
the keys so she could turn on the heater, then turned up the collar of his
coat and jogged over to the small escort. He wrapped on the window of the
driver's side and Francesca turned away from him. 
        "Com'ahn, Frannie!" he implored pulling his gloves out of his
pocket and shoving them on to protect his fingers from the biting cold.
"Aren't ya even gonna give me a chance ta explain?" 
        "I don't care!" she retorted, rolling down the window just an inch
or so to be heard. "You can carry on wit da entire female population of
Chicago and it's no difference ta me." Ray almost smiled at her apparant
jealousy, at least that showed he still had a chance; that she still loved
him. 
        "Frannie, she's from Social Services." He insisted. "I'm talkin'
ta her about Nat and Mandy." 
        "So go talk den." Francesca scoffed, still refusing to look up at
him. "An' when yer done talkin' maybe she'll show ya her effings." Ray
stared at her confused then finally got it, etchings, not....he shook his
head. 
        "I got no interest in her but ta get da kids, Frannie." He
assured. "Why can't ya trust me?" 
        "So you can run off again fer another six months and get yerself
nearly killed!" Francesca demanded, with more a force then she had
intended. So that was it, she's still upset that he hadn't called to tell
her about his accident. He shook his head, she was worse the Fraser and he
growled in frustration. 
       "Ya didn't trust me before I left either." He reminded sourly. "So
dat shouldn't make a difference." 
        "Yer lady is waitin' fer ya." She reminded bitterly and jumped
slightly when Ray slammed his fist onto the top of the car above her. 
        "She's not..." He shook his head. "Fine Frannie, you think
whatever ya want. I really don't give a shit anymore. I got to many other
things on my plate right now ta worry about yer inferiority complex." She
glared at him hatefully, as his voice lowered dangerously. "Just remember
dis, Sweetness, you are not my ex-wife and I am not yer ex-husband, it's
time ya realized dat."  Francesca opened her mouth to deny his charge but
he was already stalking back to his own vehicle. 
        She gaped after him, furious, then regretful as she realized she
had let her temper get the better of her once again. She knew he wasn't
anything like her ex-husband, Ray was kind and thoughtful and considerate.
So why then couldn't she bring herself to believe he wanted only her? He
had loved Stella with such a great passion, how could she ever hope to
compete?  He was injured and didn't tell her, didn't think it was
important enough, how could he do that to her? She shook her head and
wiped away the beginning moistness in her eyes with an angry sweep of her
hand. 
  

        The days passed slowly for Ray. Fraser and Tara had stopped by
numerous times to help him finish his unpacking and to finish Nathan's
room. The boy's furniture had arrived and Ray and Fraser had torn down the
hideous wallpaper and painted the walls a soft blue on bottom and a
delicate ivory on top. They accented it with a border of nautical themes
all the way around the room. Tara had hung new curtains and powder blue
drapes in the windows, Ray set up Nathan's toys on the large wall shelf
while Fraser pasted bright, sparkling swirls on the ceiling so the boy
would have something to look at when he was laying down. 
        Amanda became more social around them, Fraser had even gotten a
small smile from her a few times, but she still only spoke when spoken to
directly, and then it was only one word answers. They understood it would
take her time to trust them enough to be herself, though it seemed she had
taken to Francesca as she had Ray. Both children had fallen in love with
Diefenbaker of course and the wolf was in his glory when he was around
them. 
        Francesca had called once or twice to talk to Amanda or ask her to
tag along on a shopping trip,  the girl seemed to develop a close
relationship with the Italian, but Francesca never seemed to have much to
say to Ray. The former detective was sure he had blown his chance with her
by telling her of his condition, but he didn't know what else he could do
about it, she had to make up her own mind. 
        When his parents returned Barbara had insisted she watch her son's
new wards while he went out and enjoyed himself. He looked tired and
wasn't eating enough, even his Father said he needed a break. So after
much nagging from them both, and even a little from Amanda, Ray agreed and
called Fraser, asking if he would care to go for a drink and a game of
pool.  Since it was Saturday and his day off, Fraser had been delighted
and readily accepted. 
        "Your shot, Ray." Fraser offered, as he moved away from the pool
table to allow Kowalski to take a turn. 
        The small restaurant and bar was one he and Ray used to visit
regularly; because it had a pool hall on the upper level. It wasn't overly
crowded because most people were still off somewhere else enjoying the
festive season. Ray seemed to be in a good mood, and though Fraser could
see he was preoccupied about something, he didn't press. He just wanted to
enjoy their time together. He and Ray were both excellent pool players, so
it made the game more challenging. 
        "Didn't leave me much to aim at, here, Fraser." Ray griped
good-naturedly, as he took a swig of his beer then walked around and
studied the table. 
        "Well Ray, I believe you will find..." Fraser began helpfully and
Ray held his palm up to him. 
        "Can it, Fraser." He warned. "I know how ta play." Fraser smiled
and reached for his glass of soda as he watched Ray take a difficult
banking shot and make it. 
        "Excellent shot, Ray." He encouraged and Ray grinned. 
        "Gee, thanks Mum." The blond retorted and moved to make another
shot. 
        Suddenly his head came up as he heard a familiar laugh and he
moved from the table to glance over the rail to the restaurant below.
Detective Tara Chang and Francesca Vecchio was just being showed to a
table, Francesca was laughing at something Tara had said. Ray's gaze
wandered over to Fraser's, suspecting the Mountie had set it up somehow,
but Fraser was scowling at the pool table, figuring his next shot. 
        "You tell anyone where we were goin', Frase?" he asked casually as
he walked back to the table and prepared for his shot. 
        "Only Tara Ray." He offered easily. "She phoned shortly after you
did." Ray nodded and decided to let the Canadian off the hook. 
         It may have been Tara's idea then to come here with Francesca,
but Ray wasn't complaining. Having her so close however, not knowing how
any of his attentions would be received by the Italian woman was a little
unnerving, but worth it if he could just be around her; whether she knew
he was here or not. 
        "Five in da side, Frase." He announced, watching as the Mountie
also moved to the rail, perhaps hearing Tara's voice and needing to
investigate. He didn't comment on it, knowing Ray had probably already
seen them, but Tara caught sight of Fraser looking down and she raised her
eyebrow at him. 
        "How about a game of pool, Frannie?" she inquired cheerfully. "We
can order something to eat later." 
        "I don't play very well." Francesca refused, but Tara was already
pulling her to her feet. 
        "Neither do I, so we can both play badly together." She encouraged
as she guided the woman up the stairs. "It will be fun." Francesca smiled
and shook her head, even as she followed her up, but then she stopped dead
in her tracks when she saw a familiar form bent over one of the pool
tables a few feet away. 
        "Tara how could you?" she hissed and started back down the stairs
but Tara caught hold of her. 
        "I didn't know he'd be here." Tara insisted, lying through her
teeth to spite herself. "I just wanted to play. Com'on, you don't even
have to look at him." Francesca glared at her, then cast a glance toward
Fraser who smiled sympathetically and nodded to her in greeting. 
        Ray's back was still to them as he called the eight ball.
Francesca's gaze, rested on Ray in his faded blue jeans and blue
sweatshirt. He still wore his favorite boots and the ring Tara had noticed
on him at the station, but his hair was pulled back in a small ponytail.
Even dressed down he was remarkably attractive and Francesca couldn't help
the desire than crept into her heart. 
        How could she not look at him? He was so...she shook her head and
moved over to a corner table with Tara. It would never work with them, she
realized that finally. Maybe her brother had been right, she and Kowalski
didn't mix and it was time she faced up to that, no matter how much it
hurt. She shook her head, her brother had frightened a certain Mountie
away, with his interference, she wasn't going to let him do it again. 
        "Another game, Ray?" Fraser suggested, since his partner had won
that round. 
        "Sure, Frase." He agreed, setting his cue by the wall. "Rack 'em,
I'm gettin' another beer, you want a refill on yer soda?" 
        "Yes, thank you, Ray." Fraser accepted as he started to collect
the balls and assembled them into the plastic triangle. Ray headed over to
the upper level bar and ordered a beer and another soda, just as Tara
walked up and ordered drinks for herself and Francesca. 
        "Playin' wit fire, today?" he asked her conversationally and she
shrugged as they waited for the bartender to retrieve their orders. 
        "Frannie needed to get out and have some fun." She defended as
their drinks arrived and she pulled out some bills from her wallet. Ray
waved her hand away and offered the bartender a twenty. 
        "I got it." He assured and she accepted with a smile. "You guys
goin' ta da Vecchio's tomorrow?" Tara nodded regretfully, she wished Ray
would join them, Ma had invited him, but the detective was bent on
spending New Years alone. He had even requested that his folks take the
kids, who enjoyed the novelty of having grand parents, even if it wasn't
official, for a movie and the fireworks after wards. 
        "We'll be there." She assured. "Are you sure we can't change your
mind? Perhaps we can leave early and... 
        "Nah." Ray shook his head as he popped a piece of popcorn into hi
smooth from the bowl on the bar. "I won't be very good company." Tara
sighed and took their two drinks and Ray received his change. 
        "How are you holding up?" He gave her a sad smile and grabbed this
beer and Fraser's soda off the bar. 
        "Top a da world, Ma." He returned dryly, and she cast him a
sympathetic look. 
        "I'm sure it will work out, Ray." She assured quietly and he
shrugged, his eyes drifting toward the petite brunette who was attempting
to set up their game. 
        "Wish her a Happy New Year's fer me?" he asked. "In case, ya know,
I don't get ta see her later." Tara nodded and watched him return to his
table. 
        "Here you go, Frannie." Tara provided handing her friend the glass
of wine, Tara did not drink, so her glass held club soda. "Compliments of
a certain good looking, blond." Francesca glanced at Ray and Fraser over
the rim of her glass as they started another game. Even hurt and angry
with her, as he no doubt was over that scene outside her brother's
restaurant, Ray was still a sweet and generous man. 
        "What...what else did he say?" she couldn't help asking. 
        "He said to wish you a Happy New Years, in case he didn't see you
tomorrow." Tara returned helpfully, as she set her drink on the small
table provided and made the break. 
        "Is....is he spending tomorrow wit someone?" she inquired despite
herself. 
        "No." Tara  sighed as she set up the game. "The kids are staying
with his folks over the weekend and he's going to spend it alone." Tara
didn't miss the look of sadness that swept across the brunette's pretty
face. "I guess he doesn't feel much like celebrating." Francesca shook her
head and tried to swallow the sudden lump in her throat. 
        Despite not feeling particularly cheerful and fully aware of Ray
just a few feet away, Francesca was starting to enjoy herself. Tara was
correct in her assessment at pool, but Francesca was no better and they
ended up laughing every time the other tried to make a shot. However, her
heart leapt a little more each time she heard Ray argue over a shot or
giggle in that sweet way of his. 
         She had tried not to allow her jealousy to show when a woman in a
tight black mini skirt sauntered over to the table where the two men
played, and offered to buy them a beer. Fraser declined politely but Ray
accepted and seemed to be enjoying the woman's attention. And why wouldn't
he, Francesca decided silently, Ray was a good-looking man and he was
especially sexy when he wasn't even trying to be. Any woman would probably
jump at the chance to bed him, if he was that sort of guy. 
        She paused after that last thought and turned to study Ray
intently. She realized deep down, she knew Kowalski wasn't a one night
stand kind of person. Sure he flirted and chased skirts before he and
Francesca started dating, but how long had it been before they had even
made love for the first time, not counting the night she seduced him at
her house. No, Ray was too deep for a casual relationship with a woman,
and it saddened her to realize that she had wrongly accused him and been
suspicious over things that simply weren't possible when it came to the
detective. 
.         Tara noticed Francesca watching Ray and the other woman, who was
obviously very drunk and very horny. She giggled at every little joke the
blond made and applauded whenever he made a shot, then she shook her head
at the number of balls still on the table, and noticed Fraser and Ray were
almost finished with theirs. 
        "We need help girl friend." She decided whimsically. "At this
rate, we'll still be here next Christmas!" Francesca smiled slightly. 
        "What do you suggest?" she deployed. "Giving up?" 
        "Never!" Tara declared defiantly, as her gaze wandered to the two
other men across the way. The woman was trying to hang on Ray and he
effectively, yet politely, discharged her clinging arms. "We could ask for
a few pointers." 
        "I don't know." she refused finally. "They...we shouldn't
intrude." Tara waved a hand at her. 
        "Don't be silly." She returned, tossing Francesca her pool cue.
"They're almost done anyway." 
        Francesca bit her lip and watched the other woman stride across
the floor and creep up on Ray as he was making a shot. She grabbed him in
the ribs and he jumped and swung around grinning, the tramp in the tight
skirt glared at the Asian woman but Tara didn't even afford her a glance.
Francesca sighed as the two detectives laughed, missed being playful with
him, she missed everything about the energetic blond, but she couldn't get
past her anger. 
        She lowered her eyes as Ray glanced her way, while Tara continued
smiling and talking to him and Fraser, then a moment later Tara backed up
so Ray could make his shot. She was surprised when he missed it, then
Fraser took his turn and won the game. Ray offered a polite smile to the
other woman, then moved across to the bar. 
        "We really are terrible!" Tara was stressing as they made their
way back to where Francesca stood. Fraser had collected their jackets,
while Ray returned decided to get a refill on their drink, and he lay them
and his Stetson on the chairs behind Francesca. 
        "You have been playing a long time, with little success." Fraser
agreed, eyeing the table even as he smiled at Francesca. "Good evening,
Francesca." 
        "Hi Frase." She returned quietly, unable to help look back toward
Ray, who was coming toward them with a small tray of drinks. She had
behaved so childishly the last time they saw each other, she didn't  think
he would even acknowledge her. 
        "So," Tara continued. "What do you gentlemen suggest?" 
        "Stop playin'." Ray teased as he set the tray on the table and
Tara gave him a tolerant glare. 
        "Ha, Ha, Kowalski." She retorted. "Are you going to help or just
be your usual obnoxious self?" Ray seemed to ponder that for a moment. 
        "Hmmm, tough choice." He deliberated and Tara punched him in the
shoulder. "Ow! Fraser, arrest her fer assault will ya?" 
        "I have no jurisdiction in Chicago, Ray." He reminded calmly.
"However I would be happy to be a witness if you decide to bring charges
against Detective Chang." Tara moved toward him until their faces were
only inches apart. 
        "You'd do that to me?" she demanded sourly, though her eyes
twinkled with amusement. 
        "It is the law." He defended logically. "However, if we simply
kill him and hide the body no one would be the wiser." Tara tried to keep
a straight face at his placid expression but she couldn't do it and ended
up laughing in spite of herself. His deep blue eyes were full of mirth but
his face remained neutral. 
        "Gee, love ya too, Buddy." Ray shot back, with a grin, even
Francesca managed a small smile. "So, okay, ya wanna play pool, da first
thing ya gotta do is hit da balls into da pockets." 
        "Like we couldn't figure that much out ourselves, Ray." Francesca
found herself replying sarcastically, sounding more like the Frannie he
knew and loved.  He regarded her for a quiet moment, and then he took the
pool cue from her hand and showed her how to properly hold it as Fraser
indicated the same technique to Tara. 
        "Bend yer body." Ray whispered from behind Francesca, and she
fought to pay attention to what he was saying and not how delicious he
smelled and felt so close to her. "Little more..dere. Okay now lean over,
just... yah. Dat's it." 
        Like dis?" she asked, enjoying their closeness and he nodded and
put his hand over hers on the cue stick. 
        "To da left." he instructed and she moved her aim slightly to the
left. "Now shoot." 
       Francesca squealed in delight  when she made the shot, and swung
around to hug Ray. She quickly stepped back, as she realized what she had
done and returned her attention to the game. Ray smiled a little and lined
up another shot for her. After a few minutes, they were finally down to
the eight ball and it was Tara's shot. The men stepped back to allow her
to try it and were shocked when she called it on a difficult bank shot and
made it. 
        "You rat!" Francesca cried laughing. "You do know how to play." 
        "I believe we have been hustled, Ray." Fraser commented, though
his eyes were dancing in amusement and pride for Tara's skill. 
        "Good thing I didn't bet any money, Frase." the detective returned
grinning. "What'd ya need us fer if ya can shoot like dat?" 
        "Any excuse to be in Fraser's arms is a good one." she defended
and the Mountie blushed. 
        "Perhaps now would be a good time to order some dinner?" He
suggested and the women nodded in agreement and they returned to the down
stairs restaurant. 
        They each ordered a small meal and a round of sodas. Music was
piping through the speakers and there were a few stragglers on the small
dance floor, when Tara noticed the woman upstairs in the tight skirt
meander over to their table and stare down hungrily at Ray, asking him to
dance. Considering the tension between the detective and Francesca, Fraser
was not surprised when the blond accepted and guided the woman out onto
the dance floor. 
        "Tramp." Francesca muttered as she lowered her head to pick at her
salad. 
        "Pardon me, Francesca?" the Mountie inquired, though he had heard
what she had said. 
        "Nothing." The smaller woman denied as a flush crept up her
cheeks. 
        "Well, if you don't want Ray dancing with her, go tell him." Tara
encouraged. 
        "It's none of my business who he dances wit." Francesca defied
quietly "If dat kinda woman appeals ta him, let him dance wit da witch."
Fraser and Tara exchanged a muted glance, each trying not to smile at
their friend's obvious jealousy. 
        "Well," Tara sighed as she reached across the table for Fraser's
hand. "If it was my man dancing wit some drunken tart I'd be tossing her
to the side and putting my fella's arms where they belonged." Fraser
smiled and squeezed her hand tenderly. 
        "Where would they belong?" he tempted and she gave him a sultry
look that made him blush. 
        "Wrapped around a nicely solid hunk of Mountie flesh." She
returned and giggled when he turned the color of the red tablecloth. 
        Francesca smiled slightly at their flirting, delighted to see
Fraser come out of his shell a little more, but her eyes wandered back to
the dance floor, where Ray was disengaging himself from his dance partner
and moving over to the DJ. He returned a moment later and tentatively
extended his hand to her. 
        ""Dance, pretty lady?" he requested quietly and she couldn't
refuse him. He led her out to the dance floor and slowly pulled her into
his arms. Francesca couldn't help the sigh of contentment that escaped
her, being held in his arms again was ecstasy. He only spoke one other
time, when he whispered in her ear to listen carefully to the song. 

They read you Cinderella, you hoped it would come true 
That one day your Prince Charming would come rescue you 
You like romantic movies you never will forget 
The way you felt when Romeo kissed Juliet 
All thus time that you've been waiting 
You don't have to wait no more 

I can love you like that I will make you my world 
Move heaven and earth if you were my girl 
I will give you my heart, be all that you need 
Show you you're everything that's precious to me 
If you'll give me a chance 
I can love you like that 

I'd never make a promise I don't intend to keep 
So when I say forever, forever's what I mean 
I'm no Casanova but I swear this much is true 
I'll be holding nothing back when it comes to you 
You dream of love that's ever lasting 
Well baby open up your eyes 

I can love you like that I will make you my world 
Move heaven and earth if you were my girl 
I will give you my heart, be all that you need 
Show you you're everything that's precious to me 
If you'll give me a chance 
I can love you like that 

You want tenderness I've got tenderness 
And I see through to the heart in you 
If you want a man who will understand 
You don't have to look very far 
I can love you, I can... 

I can love you like that I will make you my world 
Move heaven and earth if you were my girl 
I will give you my heart, be all that you need 
Show you you're everything that's precious to me 
I can love you like that 

        Ray glanced up and noticed that Tara and Fraser had joined them on
the dance floor, then he looked down at the woman trembling in arms. She
pushed away from him, a suspicious glistening in her eyes and hurried
away.  Ray ran after her, catching her in the small corridoor outside the
restrooms. Tears were streaming down her face and he was imediately
bereft, he hadn't meant to make her cry. He caught one of them on the tip
of his finger and shook his head. 
        "I'm sorry. I didn't mean ta make ya cry, Frannie I... " she
reached up and placed a finger to his lip to silence him as she shook her
head. 
        "No appologies. " she refused gently. "I...I'm not cryin' because
I'm upset I...well, I am upset, but not like yer thinkin'." 
        "Tell me what's wrong, den?" he requested. "Tell me what ta do ta
make it better. " 
        "Just say ya fergive me, Ray." she asked folornly. Ray shook his
head confused. 
        "Fergive ya fer what, Baby? " 
        "If I hadn't chased ya away, ya might never gotten hurt." she
stated miserably and Ray stared at her in shock. "Ya...ya had ta give up
bein' a cop because of me and...I know how important.." Ray placed a
gentle hand over her mouth, refusing to let her finish such horrible
thoughts. 
        "What happened was an accident, Frannie." he inforced.  "I didn't
go lookin' fer it ta happen and ya didn't know I'd get hurt wit dis
assignment. " 
         "If...if I had just listened.... " she sobbed and he pulled her
into his arms. 
        "If we both had listened we'd be better off." he muttered
honestly. "If I had told ya ta begin wit why I was shakey about...about
makin' love....about gettin' ya pregenant again, maybe ya wouldn't have
had a reason to mistrust me. " He smoothed his hand over her hair and
rocked her gently to the faint stirings of the song in the outer room. "I
just....I couldn't stop blamin' myself fer Michael's death and because of
dat I hurt you. I'm sorry. " 
        "I...I should have been more understanding. " she offered
sniffing. "I knew how much having a child meant to you." 
         "But it's okay now, Sweetness. " he assured stepping back and
forcing her to meet his gaze. "Yes, I miss Michael, I always will, but
baby, ya gotta understand-it wasn't loosin' him dat scared me so much, it
was dat I almost lost you. " 
        "M...me? " she gasped and he nodded. 
        "I kept seein' ya fall down dose stairs and all I could think of
was if I had just stopped bein' so afraid of gettin' hurt, if I had
listened to ya when ya tried ta tell me about da baby, you might never
have fallen and..." His voice broke paused before he could speak again. 
"I miss Michael, I do, but it's nothin' compared ta da loss I would have
felt if you had died. So, I punished myself by doin' pennance, denyin'
myself yer love. " 
        "Oh Ray. " she cried and wrapped her arms around him in an
encompasing embrace. "I wish you had told me all dis before. " 
        "So do I." he sighed, surprised at how much lighter his heart felt
now that he did admit to his feelings. "But, good came out of it,
Sweetness, Mandy and Nat are da best and... " 
         "But you can't be a cop anymore." she remarked saddly. 
        "No, but I can still be a detective, Frannie, I can keep my
licence, I just can't work fer da department.  Me and Fraser are gonna run
our own detective agency." 
        "W...what about yer back? " she demanded fearfully. "What if..." 
        "We'll deal wit it as it comes. " he promised. "No one knows how
long dey have on dis Earth, Frannie, but I intend ta make da most of it.
Dis last assignment showed me I have ta tryt a do and be all I can or I'll
really be da looser I always thought I was. " Francesca sniffed and
cuddled into him again. 
         "I'm sorry fer bein' jealous the other day." she offered and felt
him smile against her hair.  "I'm sorry for mistrustin' you and I'm sorry
fer not bein' dere when you were hurt. " 
        "Frannie, you coudn't have known." he insisted.  "And yer here
now, right? " She smiled and nodded. "So is dere hope fer us Frannie? " 
        "I think so, Ray." she agreed. "If...if we take it slow and...I
mean...I don't expect ya to just take me back like dat, after all I
did.... " She was silenced by Ray's mouth on hers and she clung to him.
This was where she needed to be, where she wanted to be, forever. 
  

           Francesca had asked to take it slow, insist they just date and
learn to trust each other again, but he couldn't wait any longer. He loved
her and he wanted her with him all the time. He half expected that she was
doing pennance for her past behaviour as well, much the same way he had
admitted to doing over Micahel's death, but he didn't want her to hold out
on their being together because she felt she owed it to him. He didn't
care about their past, only their future, so he had trudged over to their
house, the following evening sometime after ten that evening, while the
family, including Fraser and Tara Chang were all inside celebrating the
coming year. He had finally found Francesca's Christmas gift and it now
rested in his pocket. He held a shopping bag in his hand filled with a
scented surprise and a sweet treat. He worked quickly and quietly then
left without anyone noticing he had been there. 
        When twelve O'clock hit the Vecchio home a united cheer went out,
glasses clinked in a toast, hugs and kisses were plentiful and Ma
requested her youngest daughter allow the new year inside their home.
Francesca, slightly less cheerful then the rest automatically obeyed and
threw the front door wide as the other continued to chat 
        "Oh My God!" Maria Vecchio, the first to reach the door, squealed
as she glanced past her sister's rooted position on the steps. She started
jumping up and down excitedly and calling the others to come. 
        Everyone grew silent and Francesca knew that all eyes were on her,
but she couldn't move, her feet felt like they were glued to the spot.
They had a tall street lamp just outside their driveway and their own
porch and Christmas trim lights illuminated the space around them. Ray
Kowalski had taken advantage of that brightness to complete his task. On
their front lawn, against the soft backdrop of white slightly sparkling
snow, Ray had written a message in red and pink rose petals and peppermint
sticks. It said, Frannie, Let Me Love U Like That. Marry Me?  There
weren't even any boot prints, where he would have had to walk to spread
the message, yet there it was. 
        Francesca recognized the reference to the last song she and Ray
had danced to and she felt a small tear slip from the corner of one of her
eyes as she remembered the rest of the words to the gentle ballad. The
question mark was dotted with a small dark shape and because Francesca was
still in a state of shock, Fraser took it upon himself to step down and
retrieve the item for her. 
Her hands were shaking as she accepted the box and pulled the lid open.
Maria smothered another excited squeal, Tara gasped, Ray swore, Stella
fumed, Ma wiped at her eyes, Tony wandered back inside to catch the last
of the game he had been watching, and Fraser regarded Francesca with a
curious affection. 
        "Francesca?" he promoted, bringing her out of her daze and she
finally lifted her gaze from the heart shaped one-karat diamond, with
accenting sapphires on the side of the marquis setting.  "Francesca are
you alright?" She nodded slowly, and then something caught her eye, down
the street, just walking under the light of another street lamp, a
familiar figure in a long black coat and shoulder length blond hair. 
        Still wearing just her simple black cocktail dress with spaghetti
straps and matching pumps she dove off the stairs and started to run. Tara
had grabbed Francesca's coat and tossed it to Fraser who had started to
run after her, as the watched her loose her balance once on the slippery
drive then right herself and bolt off once more ignoring Fraser's call for
her to stop. 
        "Ray!" She cried, unaware of the cold against the thin material of
her dress and her bare skin, or the snow that was ruining her best pair of
shoes. All she knew was that she had to catch the man in black, at all
costs. "Ray!" 
Finally, about a block and a half down, the man stopped and turned,
hearing his name. 
        She sobbed and kicked off her encumbering shoes and ran the rest
of the way bare foot, through the snow, slush and gravel, until she was in
his arms. Fraser watched as Ray Kowalski turned to find Francesca Vecchio
bearing down on him. Even from where he stood, the Mountie could see the
shock registering across his partner's face, but then he opened her arms
and caught the flying woman up in his embrace. Fraser smiled as the couple
kissed and Ray swung her around and around until Fraser himself was dizzy.
He slowed his pace as Ray lifted her into his arms and met the Mountie
half way. 
        "She forgot her coat." He explained casually, observing
Francesca's visible trembling, either from the cold or from the
excitement. He caught sight of the tears streaming down her cheeks, even
as she turned to bury her flushed face against Ray's collar. "How are
Nathan and Amanda?" 
        "Thanks, Fraser." Ray grinned as the Mountie draped the garment
around the shivering woman.  "They're probably asleep, but I've got my Mum
watchin' fer da night at dere place. "He kissed Francesca's forehead and
whispered in her ear. "I though I'd lost you fer good." 
        "Never." She sobbed hugging him tighter. "I...I just didn't
w...want to r...rush you. I...I t...thought..." she shook her head. "It
doesn't matter. None of it matters as l...long as you love me." 
        "I love you, Sweetness." He vowed as he followed Fraser back to
the Vecchio Household, still carrying Francesca in his arms. As they
started up the driveway, Ma and Maria rushed out, Ma cursing a string of
Italian that made the Mountie blush, even as the woman beamed proudly at
the pair. 
        "Ma's right, Frannie." Maria scolded. "You could have hurt
yourself or caught phenomena." 
        "She'll be fine." Fraser assured as they stepped inside and closed
the front door. "If you could get a pan of warm water to soak her feet in
and a warm blanket, that will ward off the chill." 
        Maria and Ma dashed off to collect the items as Tara smiled and
hung Francesca's coat back up. Ray moved into the living room and set
Francesca in the recliner, then discreetly reached up to pull her torn and
sodden hosiery from her legs. Fraser turned around discretely as Tara cast
him a sexy look, which only made his face darken further. 
Maria returned with a blanket and Fraser wrapped it around Francesca's
shivering form, as Ray individually began to warm her feet with his hands.
Their eyes met often and spoke in a silent language that only they could
understand. 
        "You haven't answered my question, yet, Frannie." He told her,
holding her gaze a long time, until Ma hurried in with a basin of water.
Francesca shivered again, this time with excitement as Ray gently placed
her feet into the water, and she glanced around at the faces of her
family. 
        Maria had her hands clasped to her chest, as though she might have
a heart attack if Francesca didn't say something soon. Ma was again
discreetly wiping her tears with a handkerchief from her apron. Tara sat
quietly on the sofa, just watching the scene unfold with a soft kind of
affection, while Tony barely looked up from the television. Ray Vecchio
and a very pregnant Stella wandered in and she waited for the fury to
come, but she was surprised to see tears in both their eyes, as they held
hands and remained back by the door where Ray could not see them.
Francesca's gaze remained on her brothers until she finally saw what she
had been waiting for, a slow nod of approval and a shy smile. 
        "Francesca?" Fraser said quietly, sensing something was amiss, and
when her gaze finally settled on those beautiful Cerulean eyes she felt
her heat skip a beat. 
         She did still love him, a secret love that she knew she would
carry with her until the day she died, just as Ray had for Stella. The
kind of love that gave you the strength to go on and the ability to love
someone else, with an even greater passion and need then ever before. She
smiled at him and Fraser returned it, slightly puzzled. Finally she turned
her attention to Ray and smiled brilliantly at him. 
        "What was the question?" she inquired breathlessly and a few
members of their audience chuckled as Ray ducked his head shyly. 
        Here was a man who had taken down some of the toughest, scariest
criminals in Chicago, risked life and limb a hundred times over,
especially when it involved a certain Mountie, in the pursuit of justice
and his own sense of what was right. A man who stood up to her brother Ray
Vecchio on more than one occasion and turned a man who had turned his own
life upside down to accommodate two orphans he found in a crack house. A
valiant and brave man who, having just spent possible hours spelling a
message of love in the freezing snow and who was now on bended knee, was
trembling before the petite dark haired Italian woman watching him.. 
        "Frannie, I can't promise it will all be roses and candlelight, or
dat we won't piss each other off and sometimes hurt each other's feelings.
" Ray began quietly. "But as long as ya remember dat you are my choice,
you are da woman I love and want ta spend da rest of my life wit, we can
get through anything wrong we both say or do, if we're honest and we tell
each other how we're feelin'." he lowered his eyes for a moment, then
raised them to hers again and she saw the certainty, the love that shone
in them for her. "You are my soul mate, ya make me complete. Will you
marry me?" he asked, his voice working to remain steady despite the
tremors she heard in it. 
        She pulled off his bracelet and handed it to him, watching the
string of emotions tear through him, until she handed him the ring from
the box that she still clutched in her palm. She held out her left hand
and smiled a watery smile, blinking at her own tears. 
        "A deal's a deal, Mr. Kowalski." She reminded huskily, of their
first agreement months before. "The ring fer the bracelet." Ray smile
brightened the entire room like a thousand-watt light bulb, as he realized
she wasn't turning him down, and he pushed the ring onto her third finger
with shaking hands. 
        "I love you." He informed taking her face in his hands and kissing
her soundly as Maria and the others applauded and cheered. 
  

        "Com'ahn Frannie!" Ray Vecchio gripped as he knocked on the bridal
room once more and continued his pacing in the hallway. "He's seen ya
imperfect before now move yer ass already!" 
        The door opened and his ill temper evaporated almost instantly as
his baby sister stepped out in a long flowing gown of white taffeta and
delicately embroidered lace. Her slender arms were bare from her wrist to
where the fabric of the dress crossed over her tiny shoulders. The bodice
dipped into an almost heart shaped trim across her bosom and the
embroidered beads sparkled glamorously under the florescent lights of the
church.   Her skirt seemed filled with yards and yards of the precious
fabric and it swished romantically when she moved. Her headdress was a
simple crown of white pearls and violets, with a long flowing optic veil
that hung half way down her back. 
        "God yer beautiful." Ray choked as tears entered his eyes and
Francesca's smile held all the love she could offer. "I can't believe yer
my little sister anymore, Frannie-ya turned out ta be such a great lookin'
woman." She could hold back no longer, her dress be damned as she threw
her arms around him in one of the few Cherished hugs she could ever
remember receiving from him. 
        "Thanks Bro." She whispered, blinking at her own tears furiously,
she didn't want to ruin her make up before she even got down the isle. "I
love you so much." Ray hugged her for a moment longer, then stepped back
and wiped at his eyes and cleared his throat. 
        "You make sure he makes ya happy, Frannie." Ray cautioned his
voice still not quite back to normal. "You don't take any crap from him,
nothing. You hear." She smiled impishly as Maria hurried in with her
bouquet of yellow and white roses, mixed with violets. 
        "I've been takin' yer crap fer years, Bro." She reminded saucily.
"I can hold my own." He glared at her, but then he chuckled and extended
his arm to her. 
        "Yep, yer still my Frannie." He decided as Maria, dressed in a
beautiful lavender sheath grabbed up her own bouquet and moved ahead. 
        Tara and Mandy wore identical dresses and they hurried into
position as the music started.  Lieutenant Welsh, looking debonair in his
dark suit offered his arm to Tara and led her up the isle toward the two
men standing at the front of the church. Then a smaller, Mexican man named
Johnny, which Fraser learned was Ray's partner at the DEA led Amanda down
the isle. Maria walked on her own, as she was the maid of honor. 
Benton Fraser and Ray Kowalski out-shined ever other man in the place, in
their matching black tuxedoes white shirts and violet cumber-buns. Ray had
cut his hair back to its normal length and sported a familiar silver
bracelet on his right arm. He no longer wore the earring in his ear, at
least for the wedding, however his one rebellion was that he wore his
traditional biker boots with his outfit. They were black and added a
dangerous look to his attire. 
        The tune changed and a moment later the Bridal march started.
Fraser and Welsh hid their smiles as Ray started the breathing exercises
the Mountie had taught him to keep from hyperventilating. Ray was
reminding himself to breath, as a million different thoughts hit him at
once...I'm okay, it's just Frannie, I want this. Oh God! She's an angel! I
can't marry her she's...she's...looking straight at me!  Even through that
incredible veil I can see her dark eyes daring me to run. He tugged at his
collar discretely, then lowered it quickly when Fraser pinched his arm
from behind. She was a vision in white, floating toward him on the arm of
Ray Vecchio, his secret enemy. The music stopped and the minister asked
who gives this woman to be wed. 
        "Our Mother and I do." Her brother informed, gently as he placed
Francesca's hand into Ray's. 
        Their eyes met and Ray knew everything would be okay. They turned
toward the minister and listened to the brief sermon on marriage and the
ties that bind. The question was asked, if anyone protested their marriage
and Ray and Francesca gave a cautious look around, causing their audience
to chuckle in amusement. Ray smiled and winked at his bride to be, who
blushed happily. They repeated their vows to each other and Francesca
could see the insurmountable love shining in her groom's eyes, and for a
brief moment she glanced over at Fraser and Welsh. The older man was
sniffing suspiciously and the Mounties's eyes were incredibly bright as he
smiled at her encouragingly. 
        "I now pronounce you man and wife." The minister announced and Ray
carefully flipped back Francesca's veil and leaned down to kiss her
passionately as minister continued. "You may now...oh...well, never mind,
you both seem to know what you're doing." A cheer went up even as many
laughed at Ray's eagerness. 
        Francesca blushed prettily as they parted and Ray realized his
error, but couldn't help grinning sheepishly. Francesca gathered up her
dress to keep from tripping as she and Ray turned and hurried down the
isle to the GTO waiting outside.  Everyone followed, tossing birdseed and
cheering. 
        "Yer turn next, Buddy." Ray called to Fraser, who blushed as Tara
linked her arm through his. 
        "I'm working on that!" she called back and Ray laughed as
Francesca tossed her bouquet backwards before sliding inside, landing it
purposefully in the female detective's hands. 
        The bride and groom were not having a reception, because they only
had a couple of days for their honeymoon, before Ray had to be back for
the court date to be awarded custody of the children. Rita had informed
him that it was just a formality, Amanda and Nat were his to keep. 
         "Were ya dis happy when ya married Stella, Ray? " Frannie teased
as she stared lovingly at her husband and without a moments hesitation he
turned to her, smiling. 
        "Stella who? " he asked and Frannie smiled brightly and snuggled
against him in delight. 
        Tara waved and snuggled closer to the Mountie beside her, twirling
her prize suggestively. 
        "How do you feel about a June Wedding, Benton?" she whispered in
his ear and watched him swallow nervously, as his eyes glanced almost
longingly after his partner, no doubt berating the blond for opening his
mouth and getting Fraser into this conversation to begin with. He finally
turned his attention to Tara and his gaze softened. 
        "I hear it's beautiful that time of year." He murmured tenderly
and she through her arms around him joyfully. 
  
  

the end